A young woman has been diagnosed with lung cancer for the second time despite never smoking a cigarette in her life.
Ruby Berg, from Bundaberg in Queensland, was told the devastating news last month that her cancer had returned with doctors giving her a ‘bleak’ prognosis.
The 34-year-old was first diagnosed in 2012 and was forced to have half of her lung removed following chemotherapy.
Ruby Berg, from Bundaberg in Queensland, was told the devastating news last month that her cancer had returned
But now the cancer is back and has moved from her lung into her blood and spine with doctors giving her only months to live.
‘I was given the diagnosis and told how bleak it really was,’ Ruby told the Gladstone Observer.
‘But in terms of how I’m feeling, pretty bad and sick, that’s the reality.
‘I’m just trying to stay positive and optimistic with everything that’s going on.’
She went to the doctor after feeling sick for a few days and was given the awful news on January 2.
She went to seek a second opinion in Brisbane after being told she had no options.
But because of her back pain caused by the cancer, Ruby has been forced to give up her job as a social worker.
The type of cancer Ruby (pictured left) has been diagnosed with is not derived from smoking
Her cousin, Sami Whitby, has set up a GoFundMe page to raise $20,000 to help Ruby pay her bills during her treatment.
She said: ‘Ruby is a beautiful young woman who has always lived an active life by giving to the community by working as a social worker in mental health and even participating in local animal rescue fundraising.
‘We are now asking for the help of the community. Ruby is in unbearable pain daily, and is now unable and unfit for work.
‘Ruby is finding it difficult to make ends meet.
Ruby (pictured left) has been given only a few months to live after being diagnosed with lung cancer
‘Unfortunately all super and insurance companies are unable to assist Ruby at this point in time. Just like many other people, Ruby has bills to pay.
‘It is not only for Ruby but to raise awareness for all other cancer sufferers in similar situations around Australia.
‘Ruby will fight and fight and fight with all she has got but this time she needs the help of her community, family and friends.’
The type of cancer she has been diagnosed with is not derived from smoking.
‘There’s a lot of misconceptions around that and now we just live in a world where environmental things affect us,’ Ruby added.