Kellie Finlayson, wife of former AFL player Jeremy Finlayson, recently experienced a cherished childhood dream at Disneyland while navigating her ongoing battle with terminal cancer. The 30-year-old shared photos and videos from the trip, depicting her alongside her husband and their daughter, Sophia, at the renowned U.S. theme park.
During the visit, Finlayson, who has been undergoing treatment for stage four bowel cancer diagnosed in November 2021, appeared to embrace the magical atmosphere. She was seen wearing Minnie Mouse ears, enjoying rides, and sampling park treats. She also interacted with Disney characters, including Lightning McQueen and Toy Story favorites Jessie and Bo Peep, with whom her daughter Sophia posed.
In an Instagram post, Finlayson described the experience as "literally pinching myself" and "mind blown at how truly magical this place is." She added, "I'm out here living my childhood DREAMS - kind of cool that Soph gets to live hers too."
The family holiday followed Finlayson's recent major surgery in June, a wedge resection on her left lung to remove tumors. This procedure came after an earlier operation on her right lung.
Since her diagnosis at age 25, Finlayson has undergone more than 80 rounds of chemotherapy. Initially diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer, scans within 24 hours revealed the disease had spread to her lungs, classifying it as stage four. Her treatment regimen has included both maintenance chemotherapy infusions and daily oral chemotherapy.
Finlayson documented her journey through diagnosis, treatment, marriage, and motherhood in her 2025 memoir, "There Must Be More." She and Jeremy Finlayson, who played 128 AFL games, married in 2023 after postponing their wedding due to her treatment schedule.