An Australian rules footballer's wife, given a terminal cancer diagnosis at just 25, has celebrated a milestone birthday few believed she would see. Kellie Finlayson, married to former Port Adelaide AFL forward Jeremy Finlayson, marked her 30th birthday surrounded by family, having defied a grim medical prognosis.
A Shocking Diagnosis After Motherhood
Kellie's world was shattered shortly after the birth of her daughter, Sophia, in 2021. Initially attributing her fatigue, stomach pains, and weight loss to the demands of new motherhood, she became concerned when she noticed blood in her stools. Urged by her husband to see a doctor rather than search online, she underwent a colonoscopy.
Waking from the procedure, she was told doctors had found a tumour the size of a tennis ball in her colon. The diagnosis was bowel cancer. A year and a half later, further devastation followed when the cancer spread to her lung, progressing the disease to stage four and making it terminal.
Defying the Odds with Purpose and Positivity
Rather than retreating, Kellie channelled her energy into raising awareness about the early signs of bowel cancer, becoming a public face for the cause. She documented her journey for her 77,000 Instagram followers while raising her young daughter and supporting her husband's career.
On Sunday, she shared her joy at reaching a landmark age. "I made it!" she posted. "It was more around the fact that four years ago, no one, including myself, thought that I would turn 30. But I did, I am here, and I plan to see 40, 50 and 60, too."
The family celebrated with a weekend away, staying in a tiny home in the bush. Kellie shared images of cosy moments in bed, an outdoor bath with Sophia, and a sweet handwritten card from her four-year-old daughter.
Facing Trolls and Embracing Life's Milestones
Kellie's journey has not been without cruel challenges. In November, she lashed out at online trolls who disgustingly accused her of fabricating her illness because she sometimes appears healthy. In a passionate social media rant, she defended those living with chronic illness, stating, "it's literally my job to stand in rooms and prove that there is no image of health or illness; it looks different on everyone."
Despite her diagnosis, she has continued to embrace life. Recently, she managed a 20-hour journey from South Australia to Dallas, Texas, to visit the Fort Worth stockyards and attend an NFL game. In a significant personal victory, she returned to her role as a mathematics teacher in August after a three-year absence, sharing a radiant selfie on her first day back.
Her husband, Jeremy, 29, is also beginning a new chapter, having been delisted by Port Adelaide in August after 62 games for the club. He has since signed with the Myponga-Sellicks Football Club for their 2026 campaign, with plans to develop his coaching skills.
Kellie, who published a memoir titled 'There Must Be More' in July, continues to inspire with her resilience. Appearing on a podcast, she explained her mindset: "I turned a really s***ty situation into a pretty incredible one and a really powerful one with a lot of purpose." Her story remains a powerful testament to living fully in the face of adversity.
