Neighbours star diagnosed with "aggressive" breast cancer

 

Her friend has reached out for help.

Neighbours star Kate Keltie, who played Michella Scully on the Aussie soap series from 1999 to 2004, has been diagnosed with Stage four breast cancer at just 36 years old.

In mid-November, Kate's friend Ebony Gilbert set up a GoFundMe page on her behalf to minimise the financial stress of paying for daily medical needs given Kate will not be able to work during chemotherapy.

"Her cancer is extremely aggressive and it has spread to other parts of her body, including her lymph nodes, blood and hip bones (known as metastatic cancer)," Ebony wrote in the GoFundMe description as "Kate would never ask for help, let alone financial assistance."

"This week the fight of her life begins as she starts chemotherapy.

"Given the severity of the chemotherapy that Kate requires, her Oncologist advised that working and maintaining her job during this time, is not an option."

Upon diagnosis, Kate was informed that she cannot carry children in the future.

"This is devastating news for anyone, let alone at the age of 36, with no family history of breast cancer," Ebony wrote.

"Kate will then require chemo infusions every three weeks for the rest of her life, and potentially radiotherapy and surgery too."

The goal of $25,000 has already been surpassed, with more than $32,000 raised and counting. Ebony has encouraged those who cannot donate to spread awareness.

Kate also commented on the page and thanked everyone for their contribution.

"I am so sorry I haven't had a chance to thank you all personally yet- stay with me, I'll get there! I just wanted to say thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your support, and messages and phone calls," Kate's message read.

"It's so amazing to know I have so many incredible people in my corner. I've just got over COVID and I start my first round of chemotherapy tomorrow, and you really have no idea how my head space has changed going into it because of each and every one of you.

"Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Kate x."