PROUD Jawoyn and Wiradjuri woman and Port Macquarie local, Kristal Kinsela, is preparing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise critical support for First Nations people affected by breast cancer – less than two years after facing the disease herself.
In 2024, just months after trekking to Everest Base Camp, the business leader and author received a life‑changing breast cancer diagnosis.
Treatment for the mum-of-three involved chemotherapy, a mastectomy, reconstructive surgery and radiation – leaving long-term impacts including medically induced menopause, chronic pain, neuropathy and fatigue.
Now, as she prepares for Kilimanjaro, Kristal says the climb represents far more than a physical challenge.
“People think it’ll be easy – just another mountain – but this mountain is different,” she said. “Breast cancer has changed my body.
“This climb is about showing the reality of survivorship and advocating for my mob, who deserve culturally safe support when they face breast cancer.”
Kristal is dedicating her climb to raising funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) to ensure First Nations families have access to clear information, culturally aware services and a supportive community throughout their breast cancer journey.
“BCNA walked with me during the hardest time of my life,” she said.
“Now I’m climbing for the next sister, aunt, mother or grandmother who needs that same support.
“No First Nations person should walk this path alone.”
Donations in support of Kristal’s Kilimanjaro climb can be made online at https://bcna.grassrootz.com/bcna-kilimanjaro-2026/kristal-s-team
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