A Collie mother has been warmed by the support of strangers as the news of her cancer diagnosis spread through town.
Less than a month ago Emma Lee McQuillan was given the news she had grade-three invasive ductal breast cancer at only 34-years-old.
Since the news, her world has gone into super drive of doctor appointments and fundraising to pay for treatment all while being a single mum.
"A few years ago I felt a bump and got it checked out and it came back as normal fatty tissue... but then I noticed it had grown so I went back to my doctor," she said.
"The specialist told me it was cancer and it was growing quite rapidly... we're pretty much starting chemo straight away.
"It's all happening so fast and in this whole time I've moved house, started a new job, my son has started Kindy, so it's been quite hard."
In only three short weeks, Ms McQuillan had to cough up over $1,000 in medical bills.
She started a gofundme page in an effort to help with the high cost of her quick-moving illness.
"I'm a single mum paying for everything on my own, sorting out our house, school fees, everything and even with medicare I still have to pay over half the cost of each specialist visit," she said.
"Since then, I've been so blown away by what the community has done for me. Everyone has wrapped this safety net around me and every time I look online at the donations and comments it makes me cry.
"Sometimes I go online and read through the comments when I'm feeling down because the support is so heartwarming."
In a week, the Collie community has raised more than $3,000 for Ms McQuillan.
Friend Kea Merema has organised a fundraising event where Ms McQuillan will shave her head ready for chemotherapy at the Victoria Hotel while photographer Don Cook is auctioning a photo shoot to raise funds.
"My family isn't based in Collie so my friends have really been a big support for me. I'm incredibly grateful - they've all helped from staying with me, helping pick up my son from kindy, everything," she said.
To donate funds to Ms McQuillan's medical costs and find more about the fundraising event visit Facebook or attend the Victoria Hotel Saturday February 29 at 6pm.
