After being diagnosed with terminal cancer, a mother discovered a lump under her breast while trying to put on her wedding gown. She now wants to raise money for memories with her daughter, nine years old.
Gemma Blezard, 37 years old, from Bedford, found a lump in the breast a week prior to her wedding. After trying on her dress with her mum, she was unsure if it still fit.
Gemma, a founder of an IT consultancy, was first diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent chemotherapy, a lumpectomy radiotherapy, and hormone therapy before being given the all clear.
Gemma was devastated when she discovered another lump in January. She was then diagnosed with inoperable breast cancer in April.
Gemma Blezard, 37, from Bedford, who found a lump in her breast whilst trying on her wedding dress is raising money to make memories with her daughter after being diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. Pictured in her wedding dress
The mother-of-1 was informed that her cancer was stage 4 in April. She was left ‘devastated. Pictured, in hospital
One-mom-of-one Mollie Knight, nine, and her husband started a GoFundMe account to help her fulfill her bucket list. Pictured together
The single mother-of-one created a GoFundMe page to help her fill her bucket list, and to spend time with Mollie Knight (9 years old) before she dies.
Gemma explained that Mollie was 18 months when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer in Oct 2013.
“I tried on the wedding gown and felt the lump, but I tried not panic and continued with the wedding.
“I went on the honeymoon, and I noticed it getting bigger so I visited a doctor at the resort. They told me to get my biopsy as soon as possible. And then the rollercoaster began.
Gemma initially found a lump in her breast a week before her wedding after trying on the dress with her mum to make sure it still fit, Pictured, shortly after discovering her first lump in September 2013 when trying on her wedding dress
Gemma, who owns an IT consultancy, in her wedding dress that she found her first lump in with her family at the time
Gemma was first diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent chemotherapy, a lumpectomy (radiotherapy), and hormone therapy before being given the all-clear. Pictured, in hospital
Gemma was devastated when she discovered another lump in January. She was later diagnosed with breast cancer in April. Pictured, after her masectomy
“Whilst I was in treatment, they recommended that I have my ovaries removed. This was a huge decision at the moment and I had no choice but to accept that Mollie was my only child.
“My first marriage fell apart during my cancer treatment. It was a great relief to finally be freed.
“But in January I was at my annual Mammogram and received a call a few weeks later about a lump.
“I went back in to have a biopsy done and this time they told me that it was treatable but not cureable. So they can throw drugs at my head to buy me time, but it has an end-of-life prognosis.
While she was in treatment, doctors suggested that Gemma have my ovaries removed. This was a huge decision at the time. She had to accept that Mollie was her only child. Pictured, Gemma in hospital
Gemma said that she would be shocked if she wasn’t still here next year. Gemma was also told last week that her liver cancer had spread. Pictured: Left and right in hospital
Gemma underwent a double mastectomy in 2018 as a result of her first diagnosis.
Mollie (pictured here) was 18 months of age when Gemma was diagnosed with breast carcinoma in October 2013.
Gemma was left devastated after her diagnosis but has since managed to raised nearly £60,000 on her fundraiser that she has named ‘help me make memories with my child.’ Pictured left with Mollie, Gemma’s daughter. Right is Mollie’s card to Gemma.
Gemma was left devastated after her diagnosis but has since managed to raised nearly £60,000 on her fundraiser that she has named ‘help me make memories with my child.’
Gemma is hoping to make more memories with her daughter by booking a trip to Disneyland with the money.
She said that Mollie would move in with her dad when she passes. Her parents will still be involved in her life.
Mollie will turn 18 in the next 18 days and the house will go to her.
“She is aware of what’s happening – she knows there’s good and bad cancer, and her mom has serious cancer that will not go away.
Gemma is hoping to make more memories and has booked a trip to Disneyland with her daughter (pictured together).
Gemma (pictured right, in hospital) has booked to visit Centre Parcs with her friends, the children, and would also love to take a solo vacation to enjoy the sun.
Mollie (right), who will move in with her dad when Gemma dies, will continue to live with her parents. Her parents will also be involved as much as they can in her life.
“She had a meltdown in school at one point and said her mum was going home. The school tried to spend time with her, explaining that it was important for her to make good memories with me while she’s still here.
“I’ve also booked to go with my friends and the children to Centre Parcs.”
“I’d also love a solo holiday to soak up the sun.”
Gemma underwent a double mastectomy in 2018 as a result of her first diagnosis. She is currently receiving treatment to prolong her life.
Gemma stated that she would be surprised if she was still alive next year. I was devastated when I heard it was stage 4 in April.
‘I was informed last week that it has spread into my liver. I just want to make as many memories as possible over the next few months.