Allie's Story

Alice (Allie) Geddes (They/Them) and McGrath Breast Care Nurse Becky James, Adelaide, SA

Allie is one of a kind. A cancer survivor, a teacher and a solo traveller. At age 27, whilst working in London, they noticed a lump in their breast. Allie’s GP dismissed it as a cyst due to their age. A year later the lump had become painful, so they trusted their gut instinct and followed up. Allie was first diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2018. They advocated for and underwent a double mastectomy with the hope of preventing reoccurrence.

Allie lives for adventure and thru-hiked the Camino de Santiago trail following surgery, before moving to Australia. Once there, they swapped hiking boots for a push bike and cycled solo around Australia, including a stretch between Melbourne and Perth.

In early 2022 Allie was re-diagnosed with breast cancer; this time it had spread to their lymph nodes.

With no family in Australia, Allie's support came from their McGrath Breast Care Nurse Becky. “Having that one person whose sole purpose is to look out for you is incredible,” Allie says of Becky. Allie has had a very different experience in support and care this time around, compared to living in England.

Allie finished chemo in early 2023 then underwent radiation therapy. In 2024, despite lingering fatigue, Allie has many hopeful adventures planned both in Australia and abroad.