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Survivor finally on ‘The Way’
Anna Shrosbree’s life was turned upside down when a
routine airport security check during a trip to Melbourne revealed something
unusual.
“The scanner detected something on my chest. It
happened a few times before they let me through because there was nothing
there. I googled why this might be happening, and it suggested it might be a
sign of breast cancer,” she said.
When she returned to Perth an appointment found a lump, which
was later confirmed as breast cancer. Anna underwent a full mastectomy three
weeks later and began a nine-month chemotherapy treatment plan to remove the
cancer.
“The initial prognosis was not good, and the doctor
told me that this would be an extremely challenging treatment process, and it
was not something I’d wish on my worst enemy,” she said.
Anna says even after a relatively short time in the
business, people from Roy Hill were quick to reach out, help in any way they
could and do everything possible to ensure her return to work was as seamless
as possible.
“I was amazed when I returned, I still had the same
permanent room on-site and that my leader amended my roster to help me
transition back to full-time work,” she said.
But according to Anna, the most significant honour of her return came in 2021, when she had a pink truck named after her.
“I know it’s only a sticker, but to have something that acknowledges my journey and raises awareness is incredible. I still get a warm fuzzy feeling whenever I see it around the pits,” she said.
After one gruelling journey, Anna is ready to begin another as she embarks on a hike known as ‘Camino de Santiago‘, an 800km walk that takes visitors along beautiful terrain over multiple countries and has always been on Anna’s to-do list.
“The walk means ‘The Way’, and I’m now finding my way, proving I’m over this disease and still have a lot of life left to live. I’m on my way, hoping I can help others who need to find their way,” she said.
Starting as a ‘greenie’ truck driver at Roy Hill four years ago, Anna could never have imagined the journey she was about to begin.
After nine months with the company, Anna took the opportunity to move into the Technical Services team as a Technician Mine Geologist as part of the AHS progression.
“As someone who has always been drawn to rocks, I jumped at the chance to move into an area I’m passionate about, and I love my work helping to ensure the quality of Roy Hill’s ore output remains high,” she said.
The Pilbara heat and terrain have given Anna the perfect training ground before she leaves for her six-week journey in April, and once again, our people have rallied around her.
“Walking in the hot, dry Pilbara sun isn’t anyone’s idea of fun, but I’ve had countless people join me, walking on the treadmill with me, taking me in an LV to the start point for my walk. The people here have embraced me completely,” she said.
Anna hopes to raise over $8,000 in doing her walk, with all funds going to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. You can donate here.
05.04.2023