“I can’t leave my baby. I can’t. I can’t do that to her.”

These were the words racing through Nine News Perth presenter Kelly Haywood’s mind when doctors found a lump on her throat, fearing it was cancer.

The thought of leaving her daughter, Zara, and the memory of her father, who passed from brain cancer just shy of turning 50, weighed heavily on her heart.

Kelly noticed the lump while watching one of her news segments.

After multiple GP appointments, Kelly was referred to Charlies endocrinologist, Dr. David Leong, who suspected cancer might be present and opted to remove Kelly’s entire thyroid.

“Dr. Leong was concerned about repeated surgeries damaging my vocal cords, which would mean the end of my career as a presenter. I’m so grateful he took decisive action.”

Following her surgery, tests confirmed Kelly did indeed have cancer present in her thyroid. Thanks to Dr. Leong’s expertise, Kelly’s cancer was treated before it could spread.

“He’s the best doctor I’ve ever had. He truly cares.”

Kelly’s story is a testament to the progress medical research has made. Not so long ago, cancer was often considered a death sentence. Today, advances in medical research have made early detection and treatment more effective, sparing families from the pain of heartbreaking loss.

This Christmas, you can support cancer research being undertaken right here in WA by Charlies researchers, like Dr Leong, whose research is looking at how to better detect and treat thyroid cancer.

“There isn’t a single person in the world who hasn’t been touched by cancer in some way. To donate is the best thing you can do because one day, it could be you or your kids.”

A donation today can work miracles tomorrow. Please give generously.