Melbourne mum's heartbreaking letter after she and son are diagnosed with brain cancer months apart

A Melbourne mum diagnosed with terminal brain cancer has penned a heartbreaking letter to her young son after he was found to have another rare form of the disease just seven months later.

Sara Chivers, 34, learned of her cancer in March this year after initially fighting it off in 2008.

But just months after she underwent three gruelling rounds of chemotherapy to rid her brain of three tumours, she and her husband Leigh were told their youngest son, Alfie, was also suffering from brain cancer.

With her treatment unsuccessful, the mother-of-two’s focus has turned to preparing her young family for life after she’s gone, adding that “it’s not about me any more, it’s about him (Alfie).

Addressing the letter to her “proudest accomplishments” Hugh, three, and Alfie, 18 months, Sara penned a small guide to help her boys remember her and what she wants out of life for them.

“I won’t be around to see you grow up. It’s a hard thing to say and even harder to face,” she wrote.

“Heartbroken doesn’t come close to describing the pain I feel at not being in your lives in the future, but I would never change or forego the time we have spent together and the immense joy you have brought me. You are without a doubt my proudest accomplishments.”

While also urging her boys to be brave, study hard, play sport, learn a language, and travel as much as possible, Sara took the chance to ram home some motherly advice.

“I can never emphasise enough the importance of good table manners. Remember to say please and thank you. Address your friends’ parents by Mrs, Ms or Mr unless told otherwise,” she added.

Reminding Hugh and Alfie that “family comes first”, she pleaded with them to help their dad when she is no longer there.

“Your Dad is the most admirable, courageous man I have ever known… He is an exceptional father and role model. Don’t let him doubt himself or the wonderful job he will do shaping you into the men I dream of you growing up to be.

“There will come a time when he wants to find happiness again with a new partner. Accept and embrace his choice, and know she will be a positive female influence in your lives too.”

Today's top videos