Shana tried to win ‘war’

Bubbly mum succumbs to melanoma

YOUNG mothers like Shana Patton are becoming the unwanted face of melanoma as the killer disease claims more and more Gold Coasters under the age of 35.

Ms Patton, 29, died two weeks ago after battling the cancer for two years.

In May, she underwent a two-month stint in Germany to undergo last-resort hypothermia treatment.

Startling statistics reveal from 2009 to 2013 more than 180 Gold Coasters aged under 35 were diagnosed with melanoma.

“When she had her little boy Cohen she had everything she ever wanted,” said Ms Patton’s best friend, Bernadette Murphy.

“(Fiance) Dan (Alloway) was working a lot in the mines in Perth to save for their first home.

“They’d just bought a house in Robina and Dan was finally able to settle back on the Coast, because that’s what Shana wanted. “Then she died. “You can’t help but question why something so awful can happen to such a perfect, beautiful family.”

Ms Patton (pictured) was living in Varsity when she discovered a lump on the back of her neck two years ago. She’d been with Dan for four years and his best friend since they were 18.

“They were always so close. They were people that you just watched and knew they’d eventually be together,” Ms Murphy said.

“They travelled together for months and started their family when they got home. It was perfect.

“As soon as she found that lump she straight away said ‘I don’t have a good feeling about this’.

“To go from such a high to that moment, it’s heartbreaking.”

Over 18 months Ms Patton had 20 lymph nodes removed, underwent two weeks of radiation, had major surgery for a rib to be taken out, and tumours had spread to her stomach, kidney and liver.

She died in hospital with her loved ones by her side.

“She didn’t want to go. She is truly a person ... put on this earth to make it better. The world will never be the same.”

Ms Patton will be remembered at a service at Somerville Funerals in Nerang next Wednesday. Ms Murphy and Mr Alloway want to raise money for the Cancer Council to prevent such pain for

others.