When Queensland mother Caley Ashpole was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer just before Christmas last year, her world changed in an instant. At 40 years old, facing a terminal prognosis, she was devastated and overwhelmed by grief for what the future might hold.
Yet, amid the uncertainty, Caley found a powerful source of comfort and strength in art — a way to express hope, preserve joy, and leave a lasting legacy for her family.
A Mother’s Love and the Reality of Loss
Caley Ashpole, a petite artist and devoted mother, knew the harsh reality that her diagnosis brought. She might never see her two sons, Ike (12) and Moss (10), graduate, fall in love, or start families of their own.
Her husband, Bradley Ashpole, described their heartbreaking situation:
“Some flowers are quite drab and some are sad, but other times they’re full of life and color.” Those words also describe Caley’s approach to her art — choosing to fill her life and work with vibrancy despite the pain.
Though the boys don’t yet understand the full seriousness of their mother’s condition, Caley and Bradley are committed to preserving the joy of their childhood and cherishing every moment together.
Battling Cancer with Art and Determination
Caley undergoes weekly chemotherapy and immunotherapy at Sunshine Coast University Hospital. The treatments are tough — causing weight loss, hair loss, digestive issues, fatigue, and brain fog.
Her doctor encouraged her to find something beautiful to focus on during treatment. Caley turned to painting, finding it helped her relax and meditate.
“It helps me relax my mind,” she said. “I’m in the moment, but I’m not thinking, I’m not stressing, I’m not worrying.”
Her art has even been featured in the March issue of British Vogue, a testament to her talent and resilience.
Caley describes her work as soothing and full of joy, inspired often by trips to the beach, where the family shares treasured moments collecting shells and watching the sun through palm trees. These memories are precious anchors amid the storm.
A Life Built on Love and Family
Caley and Bradley’s story began over 13 years ago at a church event in Sydney. They first lived in Mount Isa before moving to the Sunshine Coast to be near family.
The couple’s deep bond was clear from the start, with Bradley recalling how he knew he wanted to marry Caley the moment he saw her.
Before meeting Bradley, Caley hadn’t planned to have children. But love changed everything. Their two sons, Ike and Moss, are now the center of their universe.
Facing Terminal Cancer with Courage
After finding a lump just before Christmas, Caley’s diagnosis was confirmed in early January — stage 4 metastatic breast cancer that had spread to her bones.
She was given approximately three years to live.
“My first thought was about the children,” Caley said.
She wants her sons to remember her as a fighter — someone who never gave up, even in the darkest times.
Leaving a Legacy Through Art
Caley hopes her paintings will be a lasting gift, bringing comfort and inspiration to Bradley and their sons in years to come.
“I want people to remember me as someone who never gave up,” she said. “That’s one of the most meaningful things you can give someone — your talent and your time, especially when your time is limited. It’s precious.”
Grieving and Holding On
Bradley Ashpole faces his own heartbreaking journey. The grief of losing his “significant other” is overwhelming, yet he finds strength in supporting his family.
“I’m devastated and I’m trying to find the strength to support others,” he said.
Balancing work and care is difficult. Bradley shared the painful reality of needing to work harder while wishing he could spend more time with Caley.
“It’s too hard. I pray she lives, and I’d rather die. That’s the better outcome for me.”
Cherishing Fleeting Moments
For this family, the importance of preserving their children’s childhood is paramount.
“As adults, when they look back, they’ll have more knowledge, more maturity, and maybe a deeper respect and appreciation for the childhoods that we worked so hard to preserve and help them enjoy,” Bradley reflected. “It’s fleeting.”
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