It’s hard to keep a smile off the face of Sandy Perceval - she is one of those vibrant ladies that when she smiles so do you.

A happy snap of Sandy will be among hundreds of photos and messages of support from people touched by breast cancer that will feature in a special McGrath Foundation Mosaic to be unveiled in May at the Sydney Vivid Festival.

Yes, Sandy is a Breast Cancer survivor.

She was diagnosed with DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in Situ) last August and during the past six months has experienced a range of emotions that has changed her outlook on life.

“At 53 years of age the diagnosis taught me a lot about myself, especially in regards to my capabilities and independence,” Sandy said.

“I have a wonderful husband Chris, three beautiful children Jasmyne, Felicity and Troy along with their partners and their children - our grandchildren - who I simply adore.

“Plus of course my mum and dad Leonie and Keith Bottomley here in Parkes, all my brothers and sisters and their partners have provided the kind of support that only a loving family can give.

“They, along with Di Green (McGrath Breast Care Nurse in Parkes), Can Assist, friends and neighbours have also been amazing.”

Sandy said she had undergone regular mammogram tests before a `tiny’ lump revealed itself last August.

A biopsy later revealed it to be positive.

“Waiting those six days for the results were terrible. It was like being in limbo,” Sandy said.

The diagnosis meant a quick trip to Orange, removal of the lump and a course of radiation spread over 16 days.

Following the treatment, Sandy said she noticed changes occurring to her body and being unsure contacted her doctor and Di Green.

Much to her delight, a subsequent ultrasound indicated everything to be normal.

“Mine is a success story but I will still have to see a specialist every six months to keep a watchful eye on everything.”

Sandy said the experience has changed not only her way of thinking but also the way she feels about life in general.

“While my life changed overnight, personally I have learned a lot about myself particularly about my capabilities and independence.

“I have literally come out the other side with what I’d describe as a new normal - one that at the time I didn’t know exactly how to deal with.

“I decided to put my mind in a spot of accepting and coping with what was going on.

“Not once did I ever feel ungrateful but that I was the luckiest lady which I believed helped me both mentally and physically.”

Sandy tells her story in the hope her message gets out to all women to undertake regular breast checks.

“Don’t think it won’t ever happen to you - breast cancer doesn’t discriminate.”

A positive person at heart, Sandy has taken an ordinary situation and turned it into something good.

She has enrolled at Parkes TAFE to undertake a computing course.

“The next stage of my life is going to be happy and healthy.

“However, I do want to extend my appreciation to Di Green for being part of my journey.

“Her support was overwhelming and I always felt a sense of safety knowing she was only ever a phone call away,” Sandy said.

Vivid Sydney and the McGrath Foundation are encouraging Australians everywhere to participate in the McGrath Foundation Mosaic.

People are invited to upload their photos and messages of support online that portray the faces and stories of those touched by breast cancer and forward them to the McGrath Foundation Mosaic website. 

From there, all photos will combine to create an inspiring mosaic image of thousands of Australians, including the late Jane McGrath, which will be projected onto the façade of the AMP Building at Circular Quay during Vivid Sydney.

McGrath Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Petra Buchanan, said the Foundation is thrilled to be part of Vivid Sydney for the first time this year.

“The McGrath Foundation Mosaic will reflect the many faces and stories of those touched by breast cancer. 

“With 43 Australian women diagnosed every day, this unique installation allows us to shine a light on the prevalence of the disease and gives Australians the chance to show their support,” she said.

Everyone who uploads their photo and message of support will also have the chance to win a trip for four people to Sydney to see the mosaic shine at Vivid Sydney.

A number of high profile ambassadors have already shown their support, including Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Johanna Griggs and Mick Fanning, who have all posted their photos and heart-felt words to feature in the mosaic.

To view photos and messages already featuring on the mosaic, or to post your own photo and message of support, visit www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/mosaic

 Vivid Sydney is the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas, attracting a record 1.7 million attendees in 2015. 

Now in its eighth year, Vivid Sydney continues to bring the world’s greatest minds, innovators and industry leaders to Sydney with a focus on the intersection of art, technology and commerce.

Owned, managed and produced by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, Vivid Sydney has been awarded Australia’s Best Tourism Event for three consecutive years and been recognised as Australia’s Best Event.

Jane McGrath’s personal experience has seen a team of passionate and dedicated people come together and step up to the challenge of making life for families experiencing breast cancer just that little bit easier.

The McGrath Foundation raises money to place McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities right across Australia, no matter where they live or their financial situation.

Di Green is the McGrath Breast Care Nurse in Parkes.

In addition, the McGrath Foundation is committed to increasing breast awareness in Australians, particularly young women. 

To find out more about the McGrath Foundation and how you can help make a difference, visit their website www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au or join them on Facebook (mcgrathfoundation), Twitter (mcgrathfdn) or Instagram (mcgrathfoundation).

And encourage your friends to do the same.

Vivid Sydney opens on Friday, May 27.