For 13 long years cancer has been a part of Julie Collis' life.
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But the passionate grandmother has never let it stand in the way of what she loves - her family and her community.
And that is why she is the 2020 Border Relay For Life Hero.
While today's relay will be like no other - in taking on a new online concept - the weekend is still a big part of Ms Collis' year.
Beginning her journey with cancer in 2007 after losing her mother to breast cancer, then only five short months later, she was diagnosed with kidney cancer.
After surgery to remove the kidney, life was back to normal.
Up until 18 months later, when the cancer came back as secondary in the lung.
Again, a surgery took place to remove the cancer.
"It was a shock in the beginning, but my family's positivity is what got me through," Ms Collis said.
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"They pushed me through it all, and each of them handled my diagnosis so differently throughout my journey.
"It was their strength though that has really helped me get through."
Unfortunately Ms Collis' battle with cancer didn't end there.
In 2012, her kidney cancer come back and she had to undergo surgery again, removing half of her remaining kidney.
In 2016, the cancer had spread to her femur, which is when she would first experience chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
By 2019, the cancer had emerged yet again, which Julie is still learning to live with this ongoing treatment.
This year will be the tenth year the family will take part in Relay for Life.
Ms Collis and her daughter Liz joined the volunteer committee in 2013 which has remained a big part of what makes relay special for the family
"I love the community, coming together for a common cause," she said. "You feel like you aren't walking this journey alone.
"My favourite memory at relay would be the years I was able to hand out the survivor and carer sashes.
"I was always truly honoured to be a part of people's journeys.
"You can really tell that the advances in treatment are making a huge impact.
"I have even seen some of these changes in treatments from my initial diagnosis in 2007, to now, and how much more they know about this disease.
"Funds raised through events like Border Relay go a long way to making sure that we can see advances, and that I can look at my grandkids knowing that I am doing something to help their future."
To support Border Relay register or donate at cancercouncil.org.au/borderrelay
