Rachel is one of many talented photographers in the NBL1.
She was a Coles Express NBL1 National Finals photographer, but her home club is the NBL1 South Nunawading Spectres and she has been shooting their games for many years.
But at the start of the year, she found out she wouldn't be on the court as much as she'd hoped. Rachel was diagnosed with breast cancer in early January.
"Just before Christmas a found a lump by chance, I found a bruise on my breast from my dog jumping on me," she said.
"A week earlier I had been listening to a charity talk at an event I was shooting at, they were talking about doing breast checks for both men and women.
"I thought 'I better do a breast check, I’ve never done one - I’m only 38' and that’s how I found a little lump under the bruise. We investigated the lump, and it came back fine, but my doctor insisted that we check again in two weeks. In early January, I got the call on the way home.
"In that instant, I felt like my world stopped."
DONATE TO BREAST CANCER NETWORK AUSTRALIA HERE
Currently undergoing treatment, Rachel said watching the Spectres on NBL1.com.au has been one of her favourite things to do in the hospital. She said that her club has wrapped their arms around her during this time.
"The NBL1 community has been so amazing - and I'll extend that to my whole basketball family. The support is above and beyond what I ever imagined," she said.
"The club rallied behind me, I am still helping my team and involved with the kids (as a coach). The U12 age group at Spectres is an amazing group, the coaches have rallied around me and each week the whole age group does an optional fitness session after training, and I have still been involved in that.
"They organised, to support me in my journey, a series of pink fitness sessions and both the men's and women’s NBL1 teams also got involved."
Rachel had the strength to get on the court for Round 2 this season to cover the Spectres on the road against the Knox Raiders. She explained while it's been devasting to be sidelined, but she really enjoyed being behind the camera for the first time this year.
"Being sidelined this year with my photography was devastating. I was so excited for the season ahead," she said.
"While I’m not officially shooting this season, everyone has got behind me for games I am able to come to and do some shooting.
"Getting to Round 2 was amazing, being back behind the camera for such a fantastic double header and getting to shoot my Spectres in their first run in their new all red uniform was great.
"I'm missing the games, but every chance I feel up for it I will get down for parts of games to shoot or cheer, and if not, I’m home watching it live. It’s nice to be not missing out completely."
(Rachel's photography from Round 2)
The NBL1 PLAY4BCNA Pink Round has a new meaning for Rachel this season. She said that the awareness that the Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) has provided over the years ensured she was diagnosed early.
"Over so many years in sport, I have always believed that it's so special to have awareness and rounds supporting organisations and charities," she said.
"I am a big believer in things being bigger than basketball. But this year it's obviously hit a lot closer to home.
"A huge thing for me that has led strong is that awareness is a huge key in why I am where I am now both in being diagnosed but also in feeling how I am going through it all.
"I don't really know what I have ahead, however in what has been not only the most terrifying and scary experience, I have also felt so much support and safe at the same time.
"You always hear how important organisations are because of the hard work they do and what they provide, but this has been so true this year.
"The resources that I have been given access to, and that I know are available when I need them is unreal. And most of those are provided through the hard work of organisations like BCNA which are supported by amazing everyday people.
"I also really believe that the awareness that rounds like Pink Round creates is just as important. I did my check because of a talk about an increase in rates of cancer due to people doing checks, and whilst I don’t want anyone to find a lump, the reality is the importance of doing checks, detecting and early treatment is so important.
"So if we can start conversations and it might help one person along the way have either an early diagnosis or even part of their journey easier, then wearing pink socks or singlets is all worthwhile."
Read more about BCNA and the NBL1's Pink Round here.
