IN LATE 2019, Trudy Rosman’s world was turned upside down.

It was just before Christmas that she noticed a lump in her breast and, only a few days later, was struck with a devastating diagnosis.

For Trudy and her son, Demon draftee Fraser, there was no choice but to fight – and beat breast cancer.

But the added challenge of undergoing treatment amid a pandemic was one they hadn’t quite prepared for.

“I went through six months of chemotherapy. Those first three months were what most people go through and then COVID hit,” Trudy said.

“Not being able to have someone physically with you through treatment and things like that made the days really long and really hard.

“At home, it all came down to Fraser.”

In his final year of secondary school and on the cusp of hopefully being drafted to an AFL club, Fraser was the supporter that Trudy needed.

He made sacrifices to his training, scheduling in night sessions to avoid any potential risk, and helped Trudy remain upbeat, even at the worst of times.

“He was my rock. He saw me at my worst, he saw me every day,” Trudy said.

“There was no escaping for him either. He was home-schooling, and he had no football as his outlet.”

Add to that the difficulty of seeing his mum go through a gruelling battle.

But despite all the challenges, the experience only brought them closer, helping shape who they are today.

“She’s a massive inspiration,” Fraser said.

“Everything she does, I kind of look up to in a sense.

While they were forced to face some tough battles together, the duo’s story is one of love and resilience, with Trudy now cancer-free and Fraser realising his dream of being drafted.  

But this week sees another chapter added; Trudy embracing Melbourne’s ongoing partnership with Breast Cancer Network Australia and being the 2021 Pink Lady Match Ambassador.

The annual game will see the Demons once again get behind all Australians impacted by the disease – it’s estimated that 20,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.  

Melbourne will wear pink socks to mark the occasion, while also inviting everyone to help fill the Virtual Pink Lady on the ‘G.

By buying a virtual place for $25, fans can leave a message of support and get behind the special cause, ahead of Saturday’s match.

STAND WITH BCNA VIRTUALLY ON THE ‘G