Karlee’s an inspiration

Karlee tragically lost her life to a rare tumour, known as a yolk sac tumour, last January.

Only 22 at the time, she was given three weeks to live; or three months if she had chemotherapy.

Karlee chose to have chemotherapy, but the tumour didn't respond and she passed away eight weeks after the shock diagnosis.

The talented dancer, singer and actress had everything going for her. She had recently completed her Bachelor of Arts in Music Theatre and set off to Europe on her overseas experience.

But Karlee started to realise something wasn't right while travelling through the south of France.

She had previously suffered from a bad dry cough and back pain, but didn't think it was anything too serious and assumed the back pain was from dancing.

About four weeks after Karlee returned home, she started to experience fluid retention.

A series of scans and tests eventually revealed the tumour.

Ms Laudzevics was left devastated by the news that the bright future of her only daughter was suddenly going to be cut short.

But she said Karlee on the other hand never complained or dwelled on it once.

"I kept waiting for her to yell"Why me?" but she never did," she said.

"She was just gracious and loving towards everyone around her; even on her toughest days.

"She didn't give up fighting either and she handled everything with such grace and dignity, which in a way made it better, but also harder."

Ms Laudzevics still struggles to come to terms with Karlee's passing, but she is determined to remain courageous like her.

"She has inspired so many people and Im going to make sure her spirit lives on," she said.

"That's why I keep doing what I do. Our main goal is to raise money for research and find a prevention. For me it's about empowering young women and men to keep fighting for medical help.

"Because you know your body and when something isn't right, even if the doctors don't think there's anything wrong."

The Facebook page Karlee’s Army www.facebook.com/Karlees Army has been set up to encourage people to find a cure for cancer through fundraising, education and awareness.

Ms Laudzevics said Karlee got her musical talent from her grandmother, a music teacher.