Rita Adamson and daughter Gail Pisan are both battling cancer together. The brave pair will take part in this year's Griffith Relay for Life.
NO BOND is stronger than that between a mother and daughter.
Rita Adamson and Gail Pisan are proof of that.
Besides the usual things like shopping and coffee dates, the inseparable pair also support each other through harrowing cancer treatments.
It won't be easy, but together this brave duo will take part in this year's Griffith Relay for Life on March 16 and 17 with the team Rinaland 1.
Mrs Adamson was in Sydney undergoing treatment for high grade uterine sarcoma when, in a cruel twist of fate, Gail was being diagnosed with bowel cancer.
"You could say we've had really bad luck," Mrs Adamson said.
"I got very, very sick in July 2010. I lost a lot of weight and had abdominal pain. I was told I had fibroids and at my age that shouldn't have been a big problem, but one was the size of an orange so they booked me in for a hysterectomy.
"Before I could be operated on it ruptured and I had to be rushed into surgery, I was told that it was cancerous. I was having treatment when Gail was diagnosed. I'd ring her up and we'd both be attached to tubes and we'd ask each other how we were going. I couldn't put off my treatment, it was the worse period I've ever had."
Despite enduring two operations, 11 weeks of radiation and nine lots of chemotherapy, Mrs Adamson remains incredibly positive.
"I haven't been given the all-clear and Gail is having more chemo at the moment, but you have got to keep fighting," she said.
"It's OK not to be strong every single day, but never dote on it."
"I also nursed my late mother when she had cancer years ago. I call it a secret disease because you don't know until you get it.
"Gail and I are coasting along at the moment. We are staying positive and keeping busy. Some days it's a test, but if we can help one other person by letting them know they are not alone, we will be happy."