by Michaela Meade
This was one of Star Weekly’s top stories of 2021. Here’s your chance to read it if you missed it, or revisit it before another year of jam-packed news content.
A 22-year-old who is battling one of the rarest forms of cancer says she is determined to be a survivor.
Westmeadows’ Kloe Jordan-Wilson was diagnosed with adamantinoma-like ewing sarcoma last December after finding a lump in her neck.
According to Cancer Australia, sarcomas made up 1.3 per cent of cancer diagnoses in Australia in 2020. The type Kloe is fighting is an even rarer variant.
Kloe, who recently completed her first round of chemotherapy and radiation, said her family has been her “absolute rock” during the experience.
“Without them I would feel so helpless, but they have been the most incredible team, right by my side through everything so far,” Kloe said.
“I’ve always had a really good relationship with my whole family and I know this, as horrible as it is, would only bring us all closer.
“I’ve never been alone, they’re constantly checking up on me, making sure everything is taken care of. My family is the best and I’m so lucky they’re mine.”
Kloe said the cycle of chemotherapy “knocked me about a fair bit” but she was still feeling strong and positive towards the future.
“I’ve spoken to [my partner] Francis about how I’m absolutely terrified of what the next few months will bring, but as long as I’m trying my best to stay happy and strong, I know I will be able to fight my best fight, and come out the other side a survivor,” she said.
Kloe’s mother Julie-Anne said her daughter’s diagnosis became a “huge thing” for the whole family.
“Everybody’s impacted by the fact that Kloe now has this horrible thing to deal with,” Julie-Anne said.
“It was a giant shock, she’s so healthy… She’s been playing cricket and football and basketball for the local teams for years.
“It’s an odd thing to find that someone so healthy [could get this diagnosis].”
Julie-Anne said the family wanted to raise awareness of the “forgotten cancer” that is sarcoma.
“It’s so rare that Kloe’s treating oncologist has never treated it before,” Julie-Anne said.
Kloe’s aunt, Lisa Jordan has started a GoFundMe page, with the goal of raising $50,000 to help Kloe and Francis financially through this difficult time.
Within six days, the page, which has been shared by Westmeadows cricket and football clubs, raised just under $18,000.
Lisa said Kloe will be unable to work this year because of the severity of her treatment.
“She’s got things that she needs to worry about, and not worry about finances,” Lisa said.
“Life was heading in the right direction, she and her beautiful partner purchased land. Everything is now going to be tough.”
Donations: www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-kloe-with-the-fight-of-her-life.
