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There Must Be More: Finding purpose in a life with cancer
Kellie Finlayson is not a cancer survivor - she is a cancer thriver. This is her story.
In 2021, Kellie Finlayson, with a three-month-old daughter, found herself staring down the barrel of a terminal Stage 4 bowel cancer. She was 25.
Incredibly, Kellie is still fighting several years on, and not only for her life. She was horrified to discover that this disease is Australia's second-highest cancer killer and—shockingly—the highest for 25- to 45-year-olds. Hardwired to help people, Kellie boldly determined to change those statistics. Since then, she has become a defier of odds and a passionate advocate for broader health awareness.
While being the Number 1 supporter of her husband, AFL player Jeremy Finlayson, and of their daughter, Sophia, Kellie has also become an ambassador of the Jodi Lee Foundation and face of the 'Trust Your Gut' campaign, a co-host of the Sh!t Talkers podcast and now an author, courageously unveiling her story. She is on a mission.
There Must be More is a book about being dealt a devasting blow, being knocked down and yet getting back up again. This is Kellie's searingly honest, endearingly vulnerable, sometimes cheeky and always hopeful story of love and struggle from the frontlines of her fight for life.
Filled with revelations for those who haven't been touched by the illness and compassion for those who have, this book is the life-affirming gift of hope that everybody needs.
'A confronting but joyous reminder to treasure every moment, big and small.' Georgie Tunny, The Project
'Kellie's memoir is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Her story will leave you in awe of her courage and inspire you to live each day with purpose.' Chloe Fisher
In 2021, Kellie Finlayson, with a three-month-old daughter, found herself staring down the barrel of a terminal Stage 4 bowel cancer. She was 25.
Incredibly, Kellie is still fighting several years on, and not only for her life. She was horrified to discover that this disease is Australia's second-highest cancer killer and—shockingly—the highest for 25- to 45-year-olds. Hardwired to help people, Kellie boldly determined to change those statistics. Since then, she has become a defier of odds and a passionate advocate for broader health awareness.
While being the Number 1 supporter of her husband, AFL player Jeremy Finlayson, and of their daughter, Sophia, Kellie has also become an ambassador of the Jodi Lee Foundation and face of the 'Trust Your Gut' campaign, a co-host of the Sh!t Talkers podcast and now an author, courageously unveiling her story. She is on a mission.
There Must be More is a book about being dealt a devasting blow, being knocked down and yet getting back up again. This is Kellie's searingly honest, endearingly vulnerable, sometimes cheeky and always hopeful story of love and struggle from the frontlines of her fight for life.
Filled with revelations for those who haven't been touched by the illness and compassion for those who have, this book is the life-affirming gift of hope that everybody needs.
'A confronting but joyous reminder to treasure every moment, big and small.' Georgie Tunny, The Project
'Kellie's memoir is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Her story will leave you in awe of her courage and inspire you to live each day with purpose.' Chloe Fisher
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Published July 29, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 4, 2025
As a port Adelaide supporter, I have been aware of Kellie’s story for years. As someone with invisible
Illness, I have always found comfort in Kellie’s strength. Not just the strength it takes to keep going but the strength it takes to share your story so vulnerably. This book was like looking behind a curtain of many snippets that Kellie has generously shared with her social media following over the years and I feel honoured to have been able to read these pages. Kellie wants people to remember her one day as a devoted mother, a great wife and friend, a cancer thriver and someone who lived life to the fullest. I for one, already admire her for all of these things that she is. As a mother who is currently 8 weeks postpartum, I can’t imagine the experience of finding out I have terminal cancer. I saw myself in so much of Kellie’s dialogue that I felt as if I could really empathise with her experience. I am a 28 year old woman, similar in personality, similar in life experience. I can’t imagine being in Kellie’s shoes but she allowed me to with her vulnerability shared here. It’s heart breaking of course but more than anything, she has inspired me to be a better mother for my son. None of us are promised tomorrow.
Illness, I have always found comfort in Kellie’s strength. Not just the strength it takes to keep going but the strength it takes to share your story so vulnerably. This book was like looking behind a curtain of many snippets that Kellie has generously shared with her social media following over the years and I feel honoured to have been able to read these pages. Kellie wants people to remember her one day as a devoted mother, a great wife and friend, a cancer thriver and someone who lived life to the fullest. I for one, already admire her for all of these things that she is. As a mother who is currently 8 weeks postpartum, I can’t imagine the experience of finding out I have terminal cancer. I saw myself in so much of Kellie’s dialogue that I felt as if I could really empathise with her experience. I am a 28 year old woman, similar in personality, similar in life experience. I can’t imagine being in Kellie’s shoes but she allowed me to with her vulnerability shared here. It’s heart breaking of course but more than anything, she has inspired me to be a better mother for my son. None of us are promised tomorrow.
July 4, 2025
3.75 ⭐️ I fear there was a bit of repetitiveness happening when something is mentioned then in the next chapter mentioned again as if it’s the first time hearing it. Also not sure how I feel about going back and forth in time multiple times in the same chapter, took a little while to get used to. Nonetheless, I enjoyed 💃
May 26, 2025
Just finished reading Kellie’s book after attending her “Meet the Author” event a couple of weeks ago — and wow, what an impact.
Kellie’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. Her strength, compassion, and resilience shine through every page. Even while facing one of life’s toughest battles, she continues to give so much of herself to others. She’s not just surviving — she’s thriving, and she’s lighting the way for so many.
Juggling active treatment, motherhood, and a mission to raise cancer awareness, Kellie is the definition of a warrior. Her words hold power for anyone — whether you’ve been touched by cancer or not. There’s something in her story for everyone.
Thank you, Kellie, for sharing your truth and continuing to be a voice for change 🤍🤍
Kellie’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. Her strength, compassion, and resilience shine through every page. Even while facing one of life’s toughest battles, she continues to give so much of herself to others. She’s not just surviving — she’s thriving, and she’s lighting the way for so many.
Juggling active treatment, motherhood, and a mission to raise cancer awareness, Kellie is the definition of a warrior. Her words hold power for anyone — whether you’ve been touched by cancer or not. There’s something in her story for everyone.
Thank you, Kellie, for sharing your truth and continuing to be a voice for change 🤍🤍
May 18, 2025
I bought this book to support this gorgeous woman who was diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer in Nov 2021 . She has done so much for awareness around this cancer that is affecting more and more young people. It’s the leading cancer killer of Australians in the 25-44 year old age bracket . This is a fast read and I was finished in 24 hours. Keep up the great fight Kellie.
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June 14, 2025I won’t rate this memoir - I don’t feel like I can rate such a true and raw story.
A very insightful look into bowel cancer and a terminal illness.
I wish Kellie all the best of luck with the ongoing surrogacy journey that she ends the book with.
A very insightful look into bowel cancer and a terminal illness.
I wish Kellie all the best of luck with the ongoing surrogacy journey that she ends the book with.
May 19, 2025
I’d never heard of Kellie Finlayson. In a world where we are now more connected than ever, in large part thanks to social media, it surprises me I’d never heard of her.
I was browsing through a list of ‘Coming Soon’ books and clicked on the listing for Kellie’s book. I started reading the blurb. Cancer. Another cancer book, I thought. After losing my Dad to stage 4 pancreatic cancer in 2022, I stopped reading all books in case they mentioned anything about cancer.
Since that time I have read many books about people living with cancer but also equally those who have died from it. It now seems I am more aware that cancer affects people more frequently than I realised.
Kellie openly shares her struggles and her triumphs as she navigates what treating a terminal illness involves for not only herself, but of her medical professionals, her family and her friends.
There are moments to laugh and certainly moments to cry. I feel she is incredibly lucky to put her words to paper before she passes, instead of having someone do it for her after the fact.
There Must be More is anything but another cancer book. This is a deeply personal recount of a young woman’s cancer diagnosis and a young mother’s will to live for her daughter.
I was browsing through a list of ‘Coming Soon’ books and clicked on the listing for Kellie’s book. I started reading the blurb. Cancer. Another cancer book, I thought. After losing my Dad to stage 4 pancreatic cancer in 2022, I stopped reading all books in case they mentioned anything about cancer.
Since that time I have read many books about people living with cancer but also equally those who have died from it. It now seems I am more aware that cancer affects people more frequently than I realised.
Kellie openly shares her struggles and her triumphs as she navigates what treating a terminal illness involves for not only herself, but of her medical professionals, her family and her friends.
There are moments to laugh and certainly moments to cry. I feel she is incredibly lucky to put her words to paper before she passes, instead of having someone do it for her after the fact.
There Must be More is anything but another cancer book. This is a deeply personal recount of a young woman’s cancer diagnosis and a young mother’s will to live for her daughter.
May 23, 2025
As a long time Port Adelaide supporter I've been following Kellie's journey for a while now. As soon as I saw she was releasing a book I knew I had to read it.
Kellie's story is an inspiring one, and this book spares no details, so raw and real and honest. I can only imagine what is has been like for her to go through this, and to continue to show up with a smile, she is a true inspiration and someone we can all learn from.
This was one of those books you simply cannot put down. It pulls you in and, had I not had other commitments, I would've finished it within 24 hours. As confronting as this book can be, it's an important one to read, and a story we should all hear. Kellie's work to raise awareness is inspirational. We're all with you Kellie, keep shining
Kellie's story is an inspiring one, and this book spares no details, so raw and real and honest. I can only imagine what is has been like for her to go through this, and to continue to show up with a smile, she is a true inspiration and someone we can all learn from.
This was one of those books you simply cannot put down. It pulls you in and, had I not had other commitments, I would've finished it within 24 hours. As confronting as this book can be, it's an important one to read, and a story we should all hear. Kellie's work to raise awareness is inspirational. We're all with you Kellie, keep shining
March 22, 2025
Thank you to Allen & Unwin and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.
Kellie Finlayson is a daughter, a wife and a mother. She also just happens to be married to an AFL player, so you could say she’s a WAG. She was also diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer in her mid 20’s. All of that we know, all of that are things that Google and news articles will tell you. But reading this book you learn so much more. From her life before her diagnosis and before meeting her husband, to having a baby and then being diagnosed and what she went through when she was first diagnosed. To read about what she went through was as inspiring as it was heartbreaking.
Kellie Finlayson is a daughter, a wife and a mother. She also just happens to be married to an AFL player, so you could say she’s a WAG. She was also diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer in her mid 20’s. All of that we know, all of that are things that Google and news articles will tell you. But reading this book you learn so much more. From her life before her diagnosis and before meeting her husband, to having a baby and then being diagnosed and what she went through when she was first diagnosed. To read about what she went through was as inspiring as it was heartbreaking.
August 6, 2025
One of the worst written books I’ve ever read.
I went into this book with genuine empathy for Kellie Finlayson and the unimaginable trauma she has endured. No one should ever have to go through what she did — the pain, grief, and public exposure of such a deeply personal tragedy is devastating. But sadly, the way her story is told in this book is frustrating, repetitive, and poorly constructed.
From the beginning, the writing lacks clarity and polish. The narrative often circles back on itself, with the same thoughts and reflections repeated so frequently it became difficult to stay engaged. There’s a lack of narrative progression — no real emotional arc or deeper insight that evolves over time. Instead, it reads more like a stream of consciousness, with no real editing or structure.
One of the biggest issues is the tone. The memoir often comes across as self-entitled and performative. Rather than drawing the reader into her experience with honesty and self-reflection, it sometimes feels like she’s positioning herself as a martyr, without the vulnerability or humility that would have made her story more relatable. There’s a sense of being “owed” something from the world — sympathy, attention, or even fame — and it made the entire book feel uncomfortably self-serving.
The most telling moment was the social media post from an old school friend who called her out after she publicly asked for Taylor Swift tickets. As harsh as it might seem, his reaction was the one moment that felt grounded in reality — a real reflection of how some people may perceive her actions. It raised valid questions about whether she was truly seeking healing or attention.
Then came the surrogacy storyline, which honestly left me shocked. After everything she had been through — including the fear of dying and leaving her daughter without a mother — the sudden decision to find a surrogate felt completely disconnected from the rest of the book. It wasn’t explained with any depth, nor did it make emotional or psychological sense in the context of her journey. It felt like an impulsive twist added for drama rather than a meaningful life choice, and it only added to the confusion and lack of direction in the book.
In short, this memoir had the potential to be a powerful, raw, and necessary exploration of grief, loss, and survival. Instead, it left me feeling disappointed, disconnected, and at times, uncomfortable. I wish her nothing but healing in real life, but as a reader, I cannot recommend this book. It needed a strong editor, deeper self-awareness, and a more grounded, authentic voice to do her story justice.
I went into this book with genuine empathy for Kellie Finlayson and the unimaginable trauma she has endured. No one should ever have to go through what she did — the pain, grief, and public exposure of such a deeply personal tragedy is devastating. But sadly, the way her story is told in this book is frustrating, repetitive, and poorly constructed.
From the beginning, the writing lacks clarity and polish. The narrative often circles back on itself, with the same thoughts and reflections repeated so frequently it became difficult to stay engaged. There’s a lack of narrative progression — no real emotional arc or deeper insight that evolves over time. Instead, it reads more like a stream of consciousness, with no real editing or structure.
One of the biggest issues is the tone. The memoir often comes across as self-entitled and performative. Rather than drawing the reader into her experience with honesty and self-reflection, it sometimes feels like she’s positioning herself as a martyr, without the vulnerability or humility that would have made her story more relatable. There’s a sense of being “owed” something from the world — sympathy, attention, or even fame — and it made the entire book feel uncomfortably self-serving.
The most telling moment was the social media post from an old school friend who called her out after she publicly asked for Taylor Swift tickets. As harsh as it might seem, his reaction was the one moment that felt grounded in reality — a real reflection of how some people may perceive her actions. It raised valid questions about whether she was truly seeking healing or attention.
Then came the surrogacy storyline, which honestly left me shocked. After everything she had been through — including the fear of dying and leaving her daughter without a mother — the sudden decision to find a surrogate felt completely disconnected from the rest of the book. It wasn’t explained with any depth, nor did it make emotional or psychological sense in the context of her journey. It felt like an impulsive twist added for drama rather than a meaningful life choice, and it only added to the confusion and lack of direction in the book.
In short, this memoir had the potential to be a powerful, raw, and necessary exploration of grief, loss, and survival. Instead, it left me feeling disappointed, disconnected, and at times, uncomfortable. I wish her nothing but healing in real life, but as a reader, I cannot recommend this book. It needed a strong editor, deeper self-awareness, and a more grounded, authentic voice to do her story justice.
June 29, 2025
I have followed Kellie for a few years now, and was so thrilled when she revealed she had written a book, however I knew this would be a tough read having followed her journey for a while.
Raw, heartbreaking, and fiercely honest — There Must Be More is Kellie Finlayson’s powerful memoir about living with terminal bowel cancer, motherhood, love, and the desperate search for meaning in the face of mortality.
Diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer at just 25, Kellie shares her story with unflinching vulnerability. She writes not just about the physical toll, but the emotional weight of holding it all — being a young mother, a wife, and a woman determined to make the most of the time she has left.
What makes this book so impactful is that it doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities — the misdiagnoses, the silence around bowel cancer in young people, the importance of trusting your gut (literally and figuratively), and advocating for your own health. It’s a powerful wake-up call: cancer doesn’t care about age, and awareness saves lives.
More than anything, this is a book about hope, purpose, and making space for more — more love, more truth, more time.
Raw, heartbreaking, and fiercely honest — There Must Be More is Kellie Finlayson’s powerful memoir about living with terminal bowel cancer, motherhood, love, and the desperate search for meaning in the face of mortality.
Diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer at just 25, Kellie shares her story with unflinching vulnerability. She writes not just about the physical toll, but the emotional weight of holding it all — being a young mother, a wife, and a woman determined to make the most of the time she has left.
What makes this book so impactful is that it doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities — the misdiagnoses, the silence around bowel cancer in young people, the importance of trusting your gut (literally and figuratively), and advocating for your own health. It’s a powerful wake-up call: cancer doesn’t care about age, and awareness saves lives.
More than anything, this is a book about hope, purpose, and making space for more — more love, more truth, more time.
July 26, 2025
As a newly diagnosed “under 45” with stage 4 bowel cancer I knew I needed to read this.
I sadly had zero symptoms, even if I think back really hard theres nothing to stick out so my diagnosis absolutely floored me and Im now in the thick of treatment 2 months on.
This book is such an accurate reflection of what Im living - the trauma of a port install - although I do think Im lucky for this over a PICC line, the never ending emotions and side effects and the want to keep things internal and protect everyone else around you by “being ok”.
Kellie is a rockstar though navigating parenting a toddler throughout all of this, something I havent had to deal with.
This is such a great read for anyone living this - whether with the disease themselves, or the loved ones supporting on the wings.
I sadly had zero symptoms, even if I think back really hard theres nothing to stick out so my diagnosis absolutely floored me and Im now in the thick of treatment 2 months on.
This book is such an accurate reflection of what Im living - the trauma of a port install - although I do think Im lucky for this over a PICC line, the never ending emotions and side effects and the want to keep things internal and protect everyone else around you by “being ok”.
Kellie is a rockstar though navigating parenting a toddler throughout all of this, something I havent had to deal with.
This is such a great read for anyone living this - whether with the disease themselves, or the loved ones supporting on the wings.
May 27, 2025
What a privilege to have an insight into the life of a cancer thriver. As a palliative care specialist nurse there is lots of pointers from Kellie I can take and use within my profession to help support my patients more through their cancer journey. I am so big on “let’s focus on the diagnosis, not the prognosis” and it seems Kellie is much the same.
As for the book itself, I found it very chop and changey, hard to follow at times.
As for the book itself, I found it very chop and changey, hard to follow at times.
June 14, 2025
Vulnerable and raw! Kellie is an inspiring lady who shares with openness and vulnerability about her ongoing journey with bowel cancer. She is a Mum, Wife, Sister, Daughter, Friend and Advocate who has shared her story with the world through both social media and now with her book. Kellie chooses life daily and this is read and felt in every page. Thank you for sharing your story. Inspiring & resilient! ✨
June 1, 2025
As someone with some similarities in their story to Kellie, this was at times extremely challenging to read and took me a lot longer to finish because of that.
Kellie’s story gives such accurate reflections on what a bowel cancer diagnosis at a young age is like. I hope this book is another reminder to people to trust their gut and get checked if something doesn’t feel right.
Kellie’s story gives such accurate reflections on what a bowel cancer diagnosis at a young age is like. I hope this book is another reminder to people to trust their gut and get checked if something doesn’t feel right.
June 16, 2025
This book is nothing short of inspiring, eye opening, heartwarming and heartbreaking. Whilst reading this book I truely rode the roller coasters of emotions with Kellie, during her extraordinary read. Her book was a fantastic mix of real life shit, humour, memories, and the dark days that she endured. It was an honour to have been able to gain insight into her cancer journey.
5 stars!!
5 stars!!
July 19, 2025
An insight. The devolution into alternative medicine was a bit uncomfortable given personal experiences, but it's understandable in the course of the narrative. In any case, this book really helped my mum.
December 28, 2025
Very easy reading focussing to a degree on the practical side.To my mind a very skilled author who has undoubtedly achieved her target of encouraging people to approach their doctor on matters of concern rather than delaying.
April 30, 2025
Great book through the author’s journey. Easy to read, hard to put down.
May 8, 2025
Devoured this book.
Kellie has told her story in the most beautiful way. She is an inspiration to everyone going through something hard.
Kellie has told her story in the most beautiful way. She is an inspiration to everyone going through something hard.
May 9, 2025
Such a beautiful, emotional and inspiring book! Written with lots of little giggles through a story that would have been so tough to tell. ❤️
May 15, 2025
A powerful reminder of the importance—and life-saving potential—of trusting your body.
May 21, 2025
Kellie is incredible. Such a strong, loving and amazing woman.
June 1, 2025
Very moved by this book! I love this woman
June 27, 2025
What an amazing yet confronting story. Beautifully written. I truly hope Kellie gets to advocate for cancer thrivers for many more years. 💕
June 29, 2025
Recommend reading this book. Always believe in reading someone’s story and their positive energy they tell of a traumatic time of their life. It’s an inspiring plus very emotional read.
July 6, 2025
Wow Kellie! I did not expect this ending. Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey!
August 18, 2025
Such an honest and inspirational account of her bowel cancer journey. If this helps one person to prevent this disease its a positive. I am pleased to have read this
September 20, 2025
Awesome book.. so much so that I read it in one day!
Interesting journey of a young woman faced with bowel cancer.
Interesting journey of a young woman faced with bowel cancer.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews