Kellie Finlayson has revealed that she is 'really good at faking it' as she strives to maintain a sense of normalcy while battling terminal cancer. The 30-year-old, married to former Port Adelaide player Jeremy Finlayson, was first diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in 2021, shortly after giving birth to her daughter, Sophia. By Boxing Day 2022, the cancer had metastasised to her lungs.
Initially, the couple cancelled their wedding, but after a second oncologist prioritised quality of life, they proceeded with a low-key ceremony in 2023. The mother of one has captured the hearts of Australians with her humour and resilience, living life to the fullest despite her diagnosis.
Fighting Through Chemotherapy
Since starting chemotherapy in 2024, Kellie has undergone over 80 rounds of treatment and takes daily chemotherapy tablets, which take a heavy invisible toll. She told news.com.au, 'I show up every day like a normal person. You wouldn't even know that I'm on chemo every day. I have one week off every now and then, but for the most part I just don't show my family my pain, and I'm intentional with that.' She added, 'Jeremy in particular probably doesn't even realise that I still have cancer because I am really good at faking it.'
The Role of Motherhood
Having a young daughter has been critical to Kellie's outlook. She describes herself as 'the most maternal person you've ever met' and says she was born to be a mother. 'Sophia has been the main reason I've been able to persevere over the past five years,' she explained. 'When she asks me to play with her, I simply can't say no, because she's just this beautiful, innocent little girl who wants her mummy.'
Support from Husband Jeremy
Kellie acknowledged the efforts of her husband, Jeremy, who has stepped up as the primary parent after her diagnosis. She noted that he has done as much as he could in a way she would accept, confessing, 'I pride myself on my independence. I'm not very good at asking for help.'
Facing Online Trolls
Despite her optimism, Kellie has been targeted by online trolls. In November 2025, she spoke out against those who accused her of faking her illness. She posted a photo on Instagram with a caption that read, 'Guys, a bit of a rant. In short, I'm a true crime podcast fiend, but often the narrative rubs me the wrong way. ... When an investigator says the first thing that led them into a case was the way she looked, the way she held herself, and the way she showed up in public spaces and online claiming she just hoped no one would go through what she could go through, like that couldn't possibly be someone's reality? That p***ed me right off. Obviously, because I am that person.'
Kellie remains a public advocate for young Australians diagnosed with cancer, having received her devastating news at just 25 years old.
