The hereditary BRCA2 gene mutation that’s carried in males and females increases the likelihood of breast and ovarian cancers.

Two of Ms Straney’s three daughters have had breast cancer.

Now she worries for the lives of her 12 grandchildren and their children. 

Chemotherapy, multiple mastectomies, hysterectomies, preventative surgeries and conscious family planning is how their growing family lived with the disease, she said. 

“Everyone who’s had genetic testing has had positive results [for BRCA2]. All the doctors say this is rare,” Ms Straney said. 

“Most of the children have it and it’s a big thing for them once they have it.”

Pauline said her grandchildren, who range in age from 16 to mid-30s, were  already getting testing or making “hard” decisions. 

“Now my grandkids are making decisions to have children earlier in life before the disease hits and it’s too hard,” Ms Straney said. 

“It’s really not a good thing to live with ... I just want there to be a cure for my great-grandkids.”

Paula’s granddaughter Michaela Jacobs, 20, has already lived through her mother Dionne having chemotherapy after the removal of both of her breasts due to BRCA2. 

Ms Jacobs said there was a lack of awareness about BRCA2 and the risks it posed. 

She’s hoping to boost awareness of BRCA2 as well as give back after the support her family has received by hosting an Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea on Sunday at their family-operated Memorable Coffee cafe in Orange Central from 10am. 

“I want people to know about it. We didn’t know until we had to deal with it,” Ms Jacobs said. 

“I’ve seen what [the Cancer Council] has done for us and this is our opportunity to give back,” Ms Jacobs said. 

Coles are donating milk and hosting another fundraising event to boost the family’s work. 

ashlea.pritchard@fairfaxmedia.com.au