Bianca's Story
29 April 2024
•~ 5 minutes
Meet Bianca Munster, the inspiring ambassador for Ovarian Cancer Australia’s partnership with Mermade Hair, as part of the Hairhouse Foundation’s Mother's Day Campaign.
We asked Bianca some questions to share her perspective on the impact ovarian cancer has had on her life, from losing her mother Maria to embracing motherhood herself.
Can you share a bit about your mother, Maria, and how her ovarian cancer diagnosis inspired you to become an ambassador for OCA?
“Mum was the fittest, healthiest person I’d ever met. She was a gym instructor and personal trainer and was so passionate about health and fitness. Her ovarian cancer diagnosis has inspired me to become an ambassador because I just couldn’t understand how someone as fit and healthy as her was blindsided by this cancer, and she was already in the later stages at the beginning of her diagnosis. I’m passionate because I never want another family to go through what we went through. I also want to bring more education and awareness around this cancer for all the women in our lives.”
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about ovarian cancer and its impact on women and their families?
“I wish people understood how deadly and aggressive this form of cancer is and that usually, once a woman has been diagnosed, it’s generally already at a later stage. Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer go undetected and are usually confused for less serious causes. Unfortunately, a lot of people also assume a Pap test can detect ovarian cancer, which is incorrect.”
How do you balance remembering and honouring your mum when celebrating Mother’s Day with your family?
“Mother’s Day is such a bittersweet day for our family. The year Mum passed away, we learned that both my sister-in-law and I were pregnant within a month of Mum's passing. We always believe this was the gift my mother left behind for our family. Every Mother’s Day, we celebrate the women we’ve become through my Mum. We talk to our children about ‘Nonna’ and how much she loves them, and we celebrate not only what she gave our family but also all the things she loved and did for us. Every Mother’s Day, my husband and I will go get a coffee and cannoli at her favourite café and share memories and photos of Mum with our kids.”
Reflecting on your mother’s life, what is one lesson from her that you hold dear and wish to pass on to Jaxon and Jagger?
“Mum was the kindest person in the world. To family, to friends, to strangers. Nothing was ever too hard or too much; she would drop everything and anything for anyone. She would always say, ‘Treat people the way you want to be treated.’ This is the same trait I not only want to uphold for my family, but I want my kids to practice and carry throughout their lives.”
Working with Mermade Hair and Hairhouse, our focus is on empowering those affected, especially as we know how much women’s identity relates to their hair. Did this impact your mum in any way?
“I think Mum losing her hair was one of the hardest parts of her journey. Taking away a part of someone’s appearance really strips them of their confidence and becomes a huge insecurity. It certainly took away her livelihood for a period of time. We experimented with scarves and hats and anything to make her feel more comfortable throughout her treatment. She was still the most beautiful woman in the room with or without hair.”
How has your family’s support system changed or strengthened since your mother’s passing, especially considering Cameron and your brother have been so impactful in this journey?
“Our family has always had such a strong bond. Mum was generally the glue that really held our family together, but since her passing, my Dad has taken on that role and become a strong role model for my brother and me and our families. Unfortunately, we all live in separate states at the moment, but we have family group chats going daily, where we share memories, laughs, and photos amongst each other of Mum and all the grandchildren, to ensure we’re not missing each other's lives. My husband Cameron, my brother Shane, and my Dad Glenn have always made it easy to be able to lean on them whenever we need. We’ve all been through this journey together, which makes grieving not easier, but more manageable to have people in your lives who understand the rollercoaster of feelings we all go through.”
What message do you wish to share with women currently fighting ovarian cancer and their families?
“Lean on your family and friends as much as possible. No one ever fights alone; we all fight together. One treatment at a time, one milestone at a time, never give up. Sending all those affected all the love and strength in the world; we stand with you in solidarity.”
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future in terms of ovarian cancer advocacy and awareness?
“I hope we can bring more awareness and education around this cancer. We either have ovaries or come from them, so it’s important to understand the impact this cancer can have on people’s lives and families. We knew nothing about this cancer until my mother was diagnosed, which was too late, and that’s what I hope to eradicate for anyone else who goes through this. I hope people can have a general understanding of what it is and what to look out for before it’s too late.”
