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QLD CHAMPION
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Wendy Dean (she/her)
LIVED EXPERIENCE
Cancer Survivorship, Mental Health, Disability, Chronic Illness
KEY INFORMATION
Place of Birth: Ipswich, Queensland, Australia
Current location: Maryborough, Queensland, Australia
Age: 52 years old
Language/s: English only
LGBTQIA+: Ally
NDIS Participant: No
Diagnoses: Triple Negative Breast Cancer (3 times), Rheumatoid Arthritis, Biploar
Healthcare Access: Primary Health Care, Allied Health, Mental Health, Secondary and Tertiary care
BIO
Wendy has an unmatchable vibrance and passion for living, since surviving Triple Negative Breast Cancer three times, in only 3 years (2015, 2016 & 2018). Growing up in Central Queensland, Wendy attended Boarding School at 11 years old and then joined the Airforce at 17 years old, giving her a wealth of insights. Wendy is a single mum of two who has a natural love for storytelling - sharing her experiences in life, living with chronic illness/disability and beating cancer to transform audience's perspectives. She has been embraced by many audiences and events to deliver keynote speaking presentations on breast cancer and mental health. In 2020, Wendy created a 9 episode podcast series, 'The Survivor Storyteller' to share her story, and interview others on their perspectives and experiences.
A powerful and versatile Breast Cancer advocate, Wendy featured in the Berlei x BCNA campaign, 'In Support of You', contributed to creating 'Our TNBC', triple negative breast cancer community, and volunteers for Breast Cancer Network Australia.
Beyond cancer and survivorship, Wendy has lived experience of rheumatoid arthritis and chronic pain, and bipolar - lending her insights into living with disability, chronic illness and mental health. She enjoys sharing stories of resilience, and lives by the phrase 'Wake Up, Get Up!' that she integrates into how she lives her life, overcoming challenges of homelessness, loss, divorce and illness.
Wendy is looking forward to contributing her lived experience in research, speaking, as a media commentator, in ambassador roles and other opportunities that can allow her to share her perspectives for positive change.
ACHIEVEMENTS & EXPERIENCE
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Beat Triple-Negative Breast Cancer 3 times in 3 years!
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Experienced speaker on cancer survivorship, mental health, invisible disabilities/illnesses & resilience
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Featured in the Berlei x Breast Cancer Network Australia campaign, 'In Support of You'
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Featured in media - The Daily Mail, 9Honey, That's Life!
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Previously hosted and produced her own podcast, 'The Survivor Storyteller'
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Completed media training with Shelley Horton
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BCNA (Breast Cancer Network Australia) - volunteer
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Part of 'Our TNBC' project
LINKS:
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The Survivor Storyteller - Wendy's website
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'I beat breast cancer three times in three years' - 9Honey
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'Mum diagnosed with breast cancer THREE times in three years reveals why all women should have regular check-ups: 'I had no symptoms'' - Daily Mail Australia
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'In Support Of You | Berlei X BCNA' - Wendy features in Berlei advertisement
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The Survivor Storyteller podcast - hosted & created by Wendy Dean
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'Our TNBC' - Wendy contributed to the creation
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