Tragic end for Sydney woman, 28, after devastating find on toe
Natalie Fornasier had been raising awareness of skin cancer since being diagnosed with metastatic melanoma at age 20.
A Sydney writer has died, aged 28, after a long battle with metastatic melanoma.
Natalie Fornasier, who has been a powerful force in raising awareness about skin cancer, passed away on January 14, as confirmed by the Sydney Morning Herald in an obituary.
"Beloved Wife of Alexander. Much loved Sister of Alex, loving Daughter of Peter & Lorena. Adored Daughter-in-law of Kirsten," the obituary read. "She will be dearly missed by her Grandparents, Aunties, Uncles, Cousins, Natalie’s German family & devoted "Little Helpers"."
Sydney writer diagnosed with melanoma at age 20
During an interview with Byrdie last year, the writer said she knew something was wrong at 20-years-old when a mole the size of a fingernail that had been on one of her toes for years “started to grow” and “become like a volcano”.
Since being diagnosed eight years ago with Stage III Metastatic Melanoma, Ms Fornasier's diagnosis became terminal last year in July, leaving her fearing she wouldn't live to see Christmas — which she managed to do. Last year in November, Ms Fornasier was also able to get married at a palliative care facility.
In her most recent post on December 21, Ms Fornasier, who is the inspiration behind and one of the driving forces of the #CallTimeOnMelanoma initiative, thanked everyone for their love and support, and gave an insight into her condition at the time.
"I can no longer walk without aids, my legs are filled with fluid, my whole body aches 24/7 and the tumour burden is intense," she said. "My pain is increasing slowly, day by day I can feel my body slow just that little bit more which is such a bizarre thing to witness — especially when you can physically feel it too."
"It’s one minute at a time for me right now — and I’m so thankful that, that is still a possibility. If my time here has taught me anything — it’s that time moves like a river. You’re unable to see the beginning or the end but you can feel it, so you better make the most of it. Even if that means napping next to your loved one for hours so long as you’re together."
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Tributes flow from people touched by Natalie Fornasier
Many have been following Ms Fornasier's journey, praising her for her courage to continuously educate and share her story. Since her passing, social media users have offered their condolences.
“Oh this is so sad.. RIP beautiful lady. You've done such an amazing job on awareness,” one person said on Facebook.“Beautiful brave young woman thank you for your honesty,” another said.
“So sad. My heart breaks for her family. May she rest in peace now. Sending my love to her husband and family,” someone else said on Instagram. Friends have created a GoFundMe to help cover Mrs Fornasier’s funeral expenses, as well as help Alexander as he grieves the loss of his wife. The funeral will be held on Friday.
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