Lisa-Maree Greenfield: Local boxer and young mum shares her story of battling stage-three breast cancer

Geraldton boxer Lisa-Maree Greenfield is no stranger to a fight, but the one she is emerging from she never anticipated. Turning 30, Lisa-Maree has come out of a year-long battle against breast cancer, which has seen the young single mother of one endure major surgeries and gruelling chemotherapy. Geraldton’s boxing community is rallying behind the local hero, as she returns to her true passion as a boxing coach at Skybox, and is determined to inspire other young women facing similar circumstances. Lisa-Maree received the devastating diagnosis just more than a year ago. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of just 29, as a single mum to her three-year-old son Sage. But with unwavering determination and the support of her loved ones in her corner, she embarked on a journey that tested her strength, both physically and emotionally. The discovery of her cancer came as a result of family history of the disease. Lisa-Maree’s aunt had been diagnosed with stage three breast cancer, prompting genetic testing within the family. “When my dad was getting his genetic gene testing done, I found a lump,” she explains. “We discovered that we had the genetic gene in our family. The test results confirmed my worst fears — stage-three breast cancer. While we had experienced cancer within our family before, hearing those words turned my whole world around.” Lisa-Marees’s battle with cancer transformed her both physically and mentally. “Going through cancer, you become numb to feeling,” she said. “I had a three-year-old son at the time, and I couldn’t just crumble. I was all he had, so I had to fight. I was scared, but I never had the feeling that I was going to die. However, it wasn’t until I was out of it that I truly felt the weight of it all.” The physical changes were arduous for Lisa-Maree, transitioning from being fight-fit to severely ill. Allergic reactions to chemotherapy necessitated the use of steroids, resulting in significant weight gain and a struggle to recognise herself in the mirror. Despite these challenges, Lisa-Maree maintained a resilient mindset. “I try to keep the same mentality as I did in the ring — discipline, structure, and a strong mindset,” she said. “I went back to work as a hairdresser after just two months off for my mental health. I didn’t want cancer to take that away from me.” Her sister Aleesha Greenfield describes Lisa-Maree as a remarkable individual who gives “110 per cent to anyone she meets”. “She has a heart of gold and wants to see everyone achieve their best. Every day she pushes me to be my best, whether it’s at the gym or in everyday life. She has always been my biggest supporter and best friend,” she said. When Aleesha first learned of Lisa-Maree’s diagnosis, she was in complete shock. Living in Perth at the time, she found it challenging not being able to be physically by her sister’s side every step of the way. The family stepped up to support Lisa-Maree and a GoFundMe page set up attracted incredible generosity from the community, for which the Greenfield family is forever grateful. “There wasn’t a day that she didn’t get up with a smile on her face and make every day magical for her boy, even when she was feeling her worst,” Aleesha said. “She inspires me every single day to get up and tackle any task headfirst, no matter the struggles. I feel privileged to have someone so amazing and strong as my oldest sister.” Now, having triumphed over two major surgeries and a seven-month recovery process, Lisa-Maree has returned to the gym as a coach. “I love that my sister, (Aleesha) is fighting, and I can be in her corner,” Lisa-Maree beams. “I’m so proud of her for stepping out of her comfort zone and growing. I’m grateful to my family, friends, and both my gyms — Lacey’s and Skybox — for their unwavering support. They’re the ones who gave me the strength to keep fighting.” Aleesha herself has signed up to fight for her home gym later this year. With 4am starts and several classes a week, she herself is showing the type of commitment to training her sister would be proud of. Lisa-Maree recalls discovering a love of boxing about six years ago when she decided to change her life. “I was unfit and needed to regain my health. That’s when I met Teegan from Skybox studio,” she said. “I’m someone who likes to get out of my comfort zone and give myself a challenge, so I went to train with her. Seven fights later, the rest is history. I had my first fight and fell in love with the sport — the discipline, the drive, and the mindset.” Her boxing record from her seven fights is three wins, three losses and one exhibition fight. Lisa-Maree says the importance of self-awareness and early detection was critical when it comes to breast cancer. “It’s crucial for young women and women in general to be aware of their own bodies and their family history,” she emphasised. “Breast cancer can manifest in various ways, not just as a lump. It’s important to educate ourselves and raise awareness. Cancer does not discriminate based on age.” Just like the fighters she coaches, she wants to inspire other women faced with the dreaded C-word to have the strength and mindset to never give up, never surrender.