Dear family and friends,

Please help raise funds to give me the gift of my lifetime - a beautiful glass photographic portrait of myself by world-renowned portrait and fashion photographer Robbie Merritt - and support the work of an incredible local charity - Cancer Support WA.

Please show your support by sponsoring my portrait.

Thank you

Jill Dooley

My Story

Married young ,4 children under five ,Justin and I arrived in Kalgoorlie Western Australia from England.He was keen to make a better life for us far away from the crime and unemployment in Liverpool , our home town.We worked hard I was a nurse at the hospital and he became a purchasing officer on a mine site.  

life was good and our children grew up strong and healthy. Justin encouraged them to play sports and was a keen Rugby union player ,himself. It was a massive shock when he was diagnosed with bowel cancer at 40! We endured an 8yr roller coaster of chemotherapy ,radiation ,transfusions and major operations.He battled to stay positive but was realistic about his prognosis.He tried alternative therapies, intravenous vitamin C, Ozone, Reiki, meditation and organic juicing. He ate a healthy diet and ran most days. Without warning metastasises in his neck developed which caused fractures that had to be stabilised.The surgery  left him paralysed ,just some movement in his arms.I took him home to take care of him and those beautiful children now all in their 20's learnt to use an electric hoist, drive a mini van equipped with a wheelchair lift and became familiar with medical terminology and medication regimes that would baffle most interns. With grit and determination  he balanced his analgesia so as to stay lucid.Despite pain and discomfort he went on trips, to the movies , shopping and concerts . He fought hard to  have some quality of life but it was exhausting for him ! His care was round the clock 24 hrs a day , no respite! 

We were all with him when the fight finally left him ! After 28yrs together my best friend was gone ! Everyday was an enormous effort! But he had taught me to be brave and dignified and carry on! Imagine the  anger I felt when 11 mths later I was diagnosed  with bowel cancer! Why must my children endure the misery of this disease again?   

 I was a terrible patient ,cancer had taken my man it wasn't about to  have me ! I had chemical poison and radiation . I survived ! I had done the right thing  and sought medical advice early , it was curable and for that  I am grateful. I am glad to be alive ! I  climbed Sydney harbour bridge on Australia day 2013 with 3 friends to celebrate our individual health and commitment to living life right now.

It was a breathtaking view up there on top of the world ! I took a momment so close to heaven, to appreciate the wonderful friends I have and the work I do as a nurse for the Redcross blood service. At work I meet great people everyday who donate their blood for free , to help individuals they will never know and whose stories  they may never hear. This work restores the balance in my life.  

 Most of all I said thanks , for my truly amaizing children , without their love and support I would be lost in my grief!                                                                                 

To Ben ,Jessica,Frances and Michael I am proud of you and love you all so very much! 

Thank you

Jill Dooley