Beatrice Ruiz was born in El Salvador on 30th May 1974.

She came to Australia with her mother Maria and her young sister Wendy in 1990. Beatrice was 16 years old at that time.

She lived shortly in Perth but after six months, Maria decided to take the girls to Melbourne to start a fresh life.

It was through Maria and Wendy that I met Beatrice – really – through a chance encounter. We became close friends, and after two years, we married. She was 18 years of age, but she and I knew in our hearts that we were meant to be together.

Beatrice became a mother at the age of 21. Deborah and Christopher are my precious gifts from Beatrice, who have given me strength, love and encouragement since her passing.

Beatrice detected a small lump in her right breast around February of 2006, which unfortunately she thought nothing of until it became painful, and after much persuasion, she finally went to have this checked in July of the same year. By this stage, sadly, the lump had grown to just over 2 centre meters which was already advanced. This began a very long, and painful two year journey of operations, treatments, chemo and radiation therapy. Sadly after complications with blood clots, Beatrice succumbed to her worsening breathing condition, and she passed away peacefully in my arms on the 8th December 2008.

Beatrice had a firm belief that her life had purpose, and she found that purpose in her faith in Jesus. She loved God with all her heart, and we believe that she has now found rest from her journey and battle with cancer in God’s eternal presence and that we will see her again. This gives us great hope and comfort.

Beatrice was a brave woman, whose courage and determination in life, and through her battle was an inspiration to her work colleagues, family and friends.

She radiated a warm, loving and cheeky nature. She made us laugh with her quick wit and funny sayings that she learnt from her mum, but which she perfected! In fact she told me shortly before she passed that her name meant, “Bringer of Joy”, which she most definitely did.

I was honored and privileged to be Beatrice’s husband, friend and companion for 18 years, and I will always honor and treasure her memory.

I fully support the Nelune Foundation and the support the Foundation provides cancer patients. I am also grateful to those who have volunteered their time, energy and resources to this cause.

Yours faithfully,

John Ruiz