A year ago Justin and Michelle Borchers were living a normal, happy life, however in the space of five months their world was turned upside down with Michelle diagnosed with breast cancer.
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The family received the heartbreaking news in March that Michelle had the terminal illness, which had already spread to her lymphatic system and neck, then to her brain.
She had been undergoing chemotherapy and was to have a mastectomy and follow up with radiotherapy when her health again took a turn for the worst. Michelle began to have headaches and blackouts, which was when doctors discovered that the cancer had spread to her brain.
Less than two weeks later on August 31 Michelle, at just 37 years old, lost her battle in the presence of her devoted and loving husband Justin Borchers and her brother Adam Moody.
“All the nurses on the ward said they had never seen cancer be so aggressive and take over a person so young,” Mr Moody told The Courier.
“They were estimating somewhere around Christmas and two weeks to the day after that (estimation) that was it. It was so rapid.”
Michelle’s treatments and hospital stays have taken a toll on the family’s finances.
Mr Borchers has had to step away from his job in order to care for the couple’s two children full time.
A trust fund has been established to ensure that five-year-old Lily and three-year-old Archie will have enough money for clothing and education.
Mr Moody said his brother-in-law had been incredible at supporting Michelle during her illness and “is just magnificent at raising their two kids”.
“The amount of extra effort Justin put in to make sure every wish she ever had was recognised blew me away,” he said.
“When she was sick I have never seen someone so caring and kind.”
A fundraiser night has been orgainsed at the Ballarat Ten Pin Bowling Centre for Saturday, October 17 at 6.30pm. The theme is a Disney Wonderland, with participants encouraged to dress in Michelle’s favourite colour purple.
Mr Moody said any donations of goods and vouchers to raffle on the night would be appreciated and can be done by phoning the Coronet Breakfast and Lunch Bar on 5339 3972. Donations to the Westpac trust fund can be done using the details – Account name: Lily Grace Borchers & Archie Dean Borchers, BSB: 033605, account number: 553514.
“Michelle was all about her family and I have never seen someone put so much effort into the fight, cause or what she believed in,” Mr Moody said. “And she was always out to have a good time. If it was fun or different, she was up for it.”
