**Couple’s Love Story Fuels Fundraising for Cancer Research**
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In a poignant tale of resilience and love, 29-year-old Liv Shaw from Manchester is not only battling a rare genetic condition that heightens her cancer risk but is also using her experiences to advocate for cancer research. Liv was diagnosed with Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS), a genetic disorder that significantly increases the likelihood of developing various cancers, and she has survived the disease twice.
Liv’s journey with cancer began at the tender age of 14 when she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer. Following her diagnosis, she underwent an above-the-knee amputation and was fitted with a prosthetic knee after completing her chemotherapy treatment. Despite the challenges she faced, Liv remained determined to lead a positive life.
Her second brush with cancer occurred at 23 when a rib fracture led to the discovery of a tumour. After undergoing surgery, the tumour was confirmed as cancerous. Although Liv required further surgery to remove tissue from the affected area, doctors deemed the cancer to be slow-growing enough to avoid immediate additional treatment.
The genetic testing that followed, prompted by a history of cancer within her family, revealed that she possessed Li-Fraumeni syndrome. This genetic condition, caused by a mutation in a gene, notably increases the risk of developing cancer, with estimates suggesting that individuals with LFS face a 70% to 90% probability of being diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.
“I strive to remain positive and maintain a sense of normalcy,” Liv reflected. “However, I’m only in my twenties and I’ve already had to face two different cancers.”
Liv, who works as an operations manager, is one of three triplets who were conceived via IVF. Interestingly, her siblings and mother tested negative for LFS, leading to speculation that Liv either inherited the syndrome from the sperm donor or that the mutation emerged spontaneously in her.
In light of her health challenges, Liv made a proactive decision in 2023 to have a preventative double mastectomy to mitigate the risk of breast cancer. This surgery is part of a larger plan for regular health check-ups that she will undergo for the rest of her life.
Liv’s commitment to cancer charities has been profound, and she is heavily involved in fundraising efforts for Cancer Research UK. It was through her work in this area that she met her husband, Sam Shaw, who shares a similar story as a cancer survivor. The couple tied the knot in Las Vegas last year.
The couple originally crossed paths when they were both teenagers and later reconnected, ultimately leading to a deep bond. Liv describes Sam as her “absolute rock” during her toughest moments, stating that he always knows how to lift her spirits and bring laughter into their lives.
Currently, Liv is advocating for Cancer Research UK’s precision prevention campaign, which seeks to find innovative methods to stop cancer before it develops. She is particularly focused on the clinical trial named MILI, which aims to determine if metformin, a medication typically used to treat diabetes, could help delay or even prevent cancer in individuals with LFS.
“My care revolves around early detection; there’s currently no way to prevent LFS,” Liv explained. “For individuals like me, we urgently need more effective and less invasive options to help reduce cancer risk. Funding research like the MILI trial is crucial, as are the donations that support it.”
Despite feeling frustration at times regarding her health, Liv has chosen to channel her energy towards making a positive difference. “Instead of asking, ‘Why me?’, I ask, ‘Why not me?’ Using my voice to advocate for others gives me strength,” she shared. “There’s hope on the horizon for individuals with LFS, and that motivates me.”
The MILI trial involves offering participants with Li-Fraumeni syndrome metformin tablets along with regular hospital check-ups to assess whether the drug effectively reduces cancer risk. Researchers are optimistic that findings from this study might also benefit patients without LFS, since some cancer patients demonstrate similar genetic abnormalities in their tumours.
As Liv continues to share her story and champion awareness for cancer research, her message resonates not only with those affected by the disease but also with the broader community, advocating for continued support and donations to transformative research initiatives.