Lake Macquarie-based blogger, businesswoman, mum of two and cancer survivor, Mim Jenkinson is on a mission to help others who are touched by cancer.
Mim has recently published a book, My Friend Has Cancer, to help those whose family and friends have been diagnosed with cancer.
As a recent breast cancer survivor, Mim knows only too well how difficult it can to find the right words to say to someone.
Mim was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2015, just weeks after relocating to Newcastle. Her small family were looking forward to embarking on a new life in a new city. She was also two weeks into a new job, which she had to leave to undergo a gruelling chemotherapy and radiation regimen.
Since her diagnosis, Mim has dedicated her time to improving her family’s health and building a bright and happy future for them. As a young mum with cancer, Mim said she gladly shares her story in the hope it might help another mum.
“When I was diagnosed at just 36 years old, I couldn’t believe it was happening to me,” Mim said.
“I was in shock that at such an early age, I could be taken from my family. It was a very scary time.”
The idea for the book came when some friends simply could not find the right thing to say and instead backed away from the friendship they had with Mim instead. Mim understood their reasoning, but of course felt the disappointment that resulted.
“For a long time I felt angry that some friends chose to abandon me. Now I realise that those friendships were just not as strong as I had hoped. However the love and support I have received from my true family and friends has just blown me away,” Mim said.
“A cancer diagnosis can bring out the very best in people too and I’m forever grateful for the support my family has received”.
Mim set about writing a guide to give others some ideas on what to and not to say as well as ways to offer practical and emotional help to those diagnosed.
The book, priced at $10, has 50% of the cost donated to Cancer Council NSW.
Beyond the book, Mim spends much of her time sharing useful insights and ideas for busy mums on her blog Love From Mim, including newborn and organisation tips and advice for self-employed mums.
