Australian woman with terminal illness finds meaning in art project
What's the story
Emily Lahey, a 32-year-old Melbourne resident, began her cancer journey five years ago with what seemed like routine health issues.
Chronic sinusitis and headaches escalated into vision loss in one eye, leading to a diagnosis of NUT carcinoma.
Now facing an estimated survival time of six to nine months, Lahey plans to share parts of her remaining life through an art installation project titled "Time to Live" in Sydney over the weekend.
Art installation
'Time to Live' project highlights fleeting nature of time
Participants in the event will spend three minutes with Lahey, as a large timer projected on the wall counts down their shared moments.
The project aims to capture the fleeting nature of time and serves as a stark reminder of its value.
Through this, Lahey hopes to raise awareness about not only the physical challenges of cancer but also the psychological and emotional burdens that accompany terminal illnesses.
Medical journey
Experimental treatment grants Lahey additional time
NUT carcinoma, a cancer resistant to standard treatments like chemotherapy, left Lahey's medical team uncertain of how to proceed.
They eventually considered an experimental treatment known as BET inhibitors.
However, Lahey had to wait until her condition worsened sufficiently to qualify for the government's special access scheme.
Reflecting on the additional time granted by her treatment, she expressed gratitude, noting that it provided more time than she had expected, which she and her family deeply appreciate.
Cancer statistics
Lahey advocates for continued support for cancer research
Despite the emotional rollercoaster of living with a terminal illness, Lahey has learned to embrace each day.
She stressed the importance of continued support for cancer research, as cancer is the leading cause of death in Australia.
Although survival rates have improved significantly—from just over 50% in the early 1990s to nearly 70% in recent years—Lahey urged others to re-evaluate their priorities and support ongoing efforts to improve survival rates.
Collaboration
'Time to Live' event collaborates with Australian Cancer Research Foundation
The "Time to Live" event is being organized in collaboration with the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF).
The ACRF funds research across various types of cancer, including rare forms like NUT carcinoma.
Carly Du Toit, ACRF's General Manager of Fundraising and Marketing, emphasized that the event aims to highlight the urgent need for funding innovative cancer research to give those affected, like Emily, the precious gift of more time.
Reflection
Lahey's journey inspires reflection on time and life
Despite the uncertainty surrounding her prognosis, Lahey has learned to embrace each day as it comes.
She describes living with a terminal illness as an emotional rollercoaster, with feelings coming and going in waves.
Over time, she has found that her confidence in looking toward the future has grown.
She reflects on past struggles, noting that there were periods when even contemplating the following day or the upcoming week seemed challenging.