“Although Marta is several years older than I am, we’re still very close”
“I’m taking on the Full Moon (26.2 miles) at this year’s MoonWalk Scotland, after my older sister Marta was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year at the age of just 44. Marta is my absolute rock and I want to give something back.
Marta’s diagnosis came totally out of the blue – we have no history at all of breast cancer in the family. She went to the doctor after some bleeding from her breast – the GP thought she had an infection and didn’t think it was anything serious. There wasn’t a noticeable lump as such.
The doctor still decided to send her for further tests. Marta then received a phone call asking her to go back to the hospital, but it was also suggested that she bring a family member with her. It was at this point that she started to realise something was wrong.
Marta was told that she was told that she had an aggressive type of breast cancer. Her initial reaction was that she was dying. However, while her type of cancer was fast growing, the positive news was that it had been discovered early and was very treatable.
Although Marta is several years older than I am, we’re still very close. I have a close relationship to all my siblings – we keep in touch and help each other as much as we can. Martha lives in Dublin, which made things even scarier after her diagnosis. She wasn’t nearby and it wasn’t so easy for me to help in practical ways, which was really frustrating.
The first stage of Marta’s treatment was surgery to remove the cancer. Thankfully, her post- operation results showed no sign of cancer in any of her lymph nodes, which was very good news. She then had a period of chemotherapy and is now having chemo injections for several more months as well as radiotherapy. The doctors want to make absolutely sure that they’re getting rid of all the cancer cells in her body, which is why she’s facing quite a bit more treatment. She totally understands that it’s necessary and says she’d rather be safe than sorry.
It’s been a lot for my sister to take in – especially as she was diagnosed whilst going through a divorce and has two young children. I really admire her – she’s got so much strength.
“I’m on the left, with Marta on the right, along with our older sister Ania, as well as mine and Marta’s children.”
I can’t wait to take part in The MoonWalk Scotland this September. I wanted to do something to support my sister, but knew my limitations and couldn’t have done something like a bungee jump to raise money. But walking – that I can do! The MoonWalk has always been a very big thing in Edinburgh and everyone talks about it. When I was younger, I used to see people in bras walking through the streets at night and wondered what it was all about. So, when I was thinking about doing something for charity after my sister was diagnosed, The MoonWalk was the first thing which came to mind.
It’s very painful for me to watch what my sister is going through each week. Normally she is my rock and, my go to person! I just want to give something back, as I know she’s really benefited from the help of cancer support charities throughout her treatment. I am not the one going through chemo, radiotherapy, surgery, and hair loss, but I want to contribute to this community of which she has became a part.
I’ve never taken on anything like a marathon before – walking or running. I know that Edinburgh is quite hilly, but I’m hoping I’ll be fine. Raising funds for vital cancer causes and raising awareness of the signs of breast cancer is so important and that will be really driving me. If you notice any changes to your breasts, it’s so important to get them checked out. Especially when you’re young, it really isn’t a case of being paranoid. It might turn out to be nothing, but if it does turn out to be breast cancer, the quicker it’s diagnosed and treated the better”.
Thank you for sharing your story Natalia – we look forward to seeing you at The MoonWalk Scotland 2025!
Sign up as a Walker or Volunteer now!