The former Gunnedah woman has a defective BRCA2 gene, an identified fault or mutation which is commonly linked to an increased risk of breast or ovarian cancer, or both. BRCA gene mutations are genetic and if either one of the parents carry the gene, their child has a 50 per cent chance of inheriting the mutation.

Jo and her four sisters were tested for the gene after their mother and aunty were diagnosed with cancer and received positive test results for BRCA2. Jo and two of her sisters tested positive. Those with the gene have up to a 65 per cent risk of developing breast cancer, and up to 45 per cent risk of developing ovarian cancer, according to preventative health organisation Pink Hope.

After 11 months of appointments with specialists, and weighing up the risks, Jo decided to lock in a date for a Prophylactic Bilateral Mastectomy – April 1, 2016.

”I changed my mind daily, hourly, sometimes,” she said.

Early on, Jo decided she wanted to do something to raise awareness, so she started a Facebook page, Breast Wishes JOurney, to document her experiences.

After her mastectomy, Jo wanted to do more for those at risk, including her daughter, Cameron, so she decided to organise a ball to raise funds for Pink Hope which provides support to women at risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

“I have an eight-year-old daughter that will have a 50 per cent chance of having the gene and I hope she will not have to go through any of this,” she said.

“Acting as a preventative cancer advocate, I will share the actions I took in creating a cancer-free life for myself, and how I reduced the risk of my daughter witnessing this brutal disease as I experienced with my mother.”

The Breast Wishes Ball will be held in Brisbane on October 8 and will feature an auction, ambassadors Bronte and Cate Campbell, entertainment, and guest speaker Doctor Matthew Peters who specialises in breast cancer reconstructions. One of the auction items is a high-definition cast of Jo’s torso taken on the eve of her surgery.

Jo said she had received support from women in Gunnedah, and encourages locals to contact her if they or anyone they know is facing the prospect of preventative surgery.

“I’ve actually had tons of Gunnie girls contacting me. They’ve been the main supporters of the page,” she said.

Jo will undergo a second round of surgery in September to receive breast implants.

Those interested in sponsoring the Breast Wishes Ball can email Jo via jo@healthplace.com.au 

To explore Jo’s journey, search ‘Breast Wishes JOurney’ on Facebook or ‘breastwishesjourney’ on Instagram.