This time last year Erin Hackney was preparing for the birth of her twin daughters and looking forward to celebrating a new year and new beginnings with husband Adam and their son Jack.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In March however, the family's world collapsed around them when Erin, 32, discovered a white mark under her tongue that continued to spread.
Seven months later, she passed away.
Erin had metastatic tongue cancer a condition that was rare for her age and gender, highly aggressive and one that spread quickly throughout her body.
Her diagnosis came shortly after twins Jorja and Charli were born, two months premature, in March.
Erin's mother-in-law Kellie Hackney of Metford said it was only through a chance encounter that Erin, who also suffered Crohn's Disease, found out that the small white spot was cancer.
"A woman in the bed next to her at Maitland Hospital was a dental technician and she overheard Erin talking to a nurse about the mark," Mrs Hackney said.
"The other patient asked Erin if she could take a photograph of it to send to her boss. Erin had a biopsy the following day."
Mrs Hackney said Erin had previously brought the white spot to the attention of her local doctor who had prescribed antibiotics without any effect.
"After the biopsy she had chemotherapy and radiation treatment and we thought she had the all clear," Mrs Hackney said.
But on September 29 a PET scan revealed Erin's body was riddled with cancer. She died on October 17.
"Adam nursed her at home all the way through," Mrs Hackney said. He is now raising the couple's three children, Jack now 6 and the twins nine months.
"He's still grieving and doing it tough but coping as best he can. My husband Frank and I and Erin's parents Sue and Mick Cranston are helping him out as well. Little Jack is very quiet and hasn't asked anything."
Mrs Hackney is arranging a benefit night to help raise money for Adam and the children. Adam gave up his full time job as a fabricating automotive body builder with Varley Engineering to nurse Erin and look after the children.
The benefit night will be held on February 18 at East Maitland Bowling Club from 6.30pm. Anyone who can help with prizes can contact Mrs Hackney on kelliehackney1@hotmail.com.
