Karen Hitchings

Ambassador

Karen’s world was turned upside down in 2012 when a routine mammogram and ultrasound showed that she had Grade 2 Lobular breast cancer in both breasts. It was caught early but still required a double mastectomy, reconstructive surgery and ongoing treatment with Tamoxifen, a journey that was to last over 18 months.

Karen’s grandmother had died from breast cancer aged 42, only a year younger than Karen at the time of her diagnosis. Ironically only a few weeks prior to Karen’s diagnosis her mother had also been diagnosed with the disease. It was a challenging period for her family especially when her beautiful mum passed away in May of that same year. The support network provided by her family and friends but also those at The Think Pink Foundation and The Living Centre played a key role throughout this journey and enabled her to coming through the experience with a positive attitude and new lust for life!

In 2018 Karen’s breast cancer returned. However, with further surgery, a course of radiotherapy, a change of treatment and the support of The Living Centre team she was soon celebrating her 5 year remission milestone once again!

Karen has been very active in fundraising for the Think Pink Foundation since her introduction to this wonderful charity and wellness centre. In 2014 she completed the Great Ocean Walk, a distance of 105 kms, with a group of friends raising money for the Foundation and has been proactive in organising relationships with several other networks including the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron and TraveLeague within the travel industry. Karen has spent much of her career working within the travel and tourism industry and her well established relationships have helped to promote a higher profile for the Think Pink Foundation and The Living Centre to this vibrant world. Additionally, it was a proud moment to see one of the Sydney-Hobart racing yachts bearing the insignia of the Think Pink Foundation as she sailed out of Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day 2014.

Karen is very proud to be an Ambassador for the Think Pink Foundation and treasures the friendships and support she has formed within this organisation since her introduction to it in 2013. The Living Centre in particular is a service she believes that every person going through breast cancer not only needs but deserves. It is a tough journey, the warmth within this Centre helps to make it a positive, life affirming experience at the hardest of times.