Perth mum Chanelle Moles, who was told she was suffering from fatigue, is now desperately fighting for her life after being diagnosed with colon cancer

In the midst of a brutal battle with cancer, a determined Perth family say they are searching for the ‘key’ to giving a mother her life back.

Chanelle Moles, 35, was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer in late 2020 after suffering months of debilitating symptoms that doctors initially dismissed as fatigue, postnatal depression and iron deficiency.

She fought for more tests as her condition worsened, but by the time she finally knew what she was dealing with, the aggressive disease had spread to her liver.

For more health and wellbeing news and videos, visit Health and Wellbeing >>

The Fremantle resident had to undergo invasive chemotherapy and surgeries to fight the disease, Australia’s second deadliest cancer, and was in remission as of October 2021.

Sadly, the mother of two’s world was rocked just six weeks later when cancer returned and she had just six to 18 months to live.

During that time, her determination has seen her through two clinical trials, six surgeries, and countless rounds of chemotherapy.

That included a costly clinical trial in Houston last May, a trip that ultimately didn’t yield the result the family had so desperately hoped for.

“When I was told I only had a few months to live I was certainly blown away, but I’m a fighter and I won’t be defeated,” said Chanelle.

Adoring husband Graham said the US trip had been “tough” but praised his wife’s ability to turn her head when things aren’t going her way.

And the challenges kept coming.

In recent months, the family has been surprised by the news that the cancer had spread to her brain.

“I’m talking about standing in front of a door and there’s a pool of keys. You’re just looking for the right thing,” Graham said, optimistic that the answer to unlocking a new life is near.

“We remain hopeful there is a cure.”

The bedridden mum remains positive and is “doing everything I can to fight for my children,” Marlon, six, and Éabha, three.

Graham said giving up just wasn’t an option.

“She’s a fighter and can’t imagine anything else but growing old with her kids. She can’t take not being there for her,” he said.

“She has no intention of stopping fighting.”

Graham, from Ireland, met Chanelle while visiting the Broome resort where she worked in 2009.

The couple dreams of one day returning to Ireland where Chanelle can go for a walk on the beaches.

Her next goal is intensive therapy in Thailand, where, according to the family, she made “great progress” in 2022 thanks to nearly three months of treatment.

But it’s not cheap, costing her $12,000 a week. Her loved ones say it’s “Chanelle’s greatest hope to finally find a cure.”

Graham said Chanelle “came home with confidence that we could beat this thing” after her most recent treatment.

Family, friends, loved ones and people touched by her story have more than contributed to getting her there $70,000 for a crowdfunding campaign to help her return overseas. Her goal is $150,000.

A Fundraising cycle from Moora, Chanelle’s childhood home, to Fremantle begins on Friday and ends on Sunday with a raffle and silent auction at Clancy’s.

June is colorectal cancer awareness month and Graham said it’s a timely reminder for people to act on symptoms.