Relay For Life

Help me make a difference! ‪#‎RelayForLife. I Relay because I want to make a difference in the fight against cancer. 

I have had many friends affected by cancer but most recently in September of 2015, I woke up to a unbearable pain. 

I was diagnosed with cervical cancer nearly 3 years ago. It had been eight years since my last Pap smear so thankfully I’m now a cancer survivor. 

I guess I am both a "survivor and carer".

My cancer story starts in August 2011, my husband Peter is diagnosed with Bowel Cancer, he has surgery, then chemotherapy. He is just finishing his last session in chemo in early March 2012, when they find a malignant lump in my left breast.

On March 19 2015 I was diagnosed with breast cancer the first in my family tree at the age of 42. 

I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2003 when I was 48 yrs old. It was an emotional roller coaster and it's only been recently that I've been able to talk about the feelings that I had and have had since.

Lauryn Louise was born on the 18th December 1999 at Northam Regional Hospital in Western Australia. For the following four and a half years Lauryn lived her life as any other young girl would with her parents Melanie and Mike. 

As a child, I survived a rare form of cancer (Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma X). Since then, I have participated in a few Relay for Life events this year I have founded a new team, the 'Skulk of Foxes'.

My experience with cancer is both as a survivor and a carer.

"Dad was always a strong fighter right up until the end. Nothing was too much for dad. His cancer story started back in 1990 when a Melanoma was found. Surgery and treatment then followed. After getting the all clear Dad was away and back to a normal life."

"My advice to other kids who are fundraising for Relay is to start as early as possible. Knowing someone in my family was sick and going through hard time inspired me to start fundraising. Uncle Lou was really happy and proud that someone was doing something to help. He was a big supporter and was helping me out."

"At Relay I walked, talked to total strangers and cried with total strangers."

"It wasn't just about remembering those we had lost, but celebrating those who have fought so hard and survived."

"I Relay because I want to keep my grandmother's spirit alive, and to raise money to help keep other special people alive."

"Relay For Life isn't about just raising money, it's about uniting. Relay brings everyone together."

"I borrowed a gazebo and a tent, and turned up not knowing what was in front of me. Twenty-four hours later I had walked 36km, raised just over $3000 and had an extremely sore body. But after such an inspiring weekend, I was hooked."

"The sense of community in regional areas is strong, but it can be hard to feel the same in the suburbs. Through Relay you can bring the community together for one reason."

"Everything happens for a reason. Cancer has made me stronger and more determined to fight back."

"My wish is that we find a cure soon so other lives are not wasted needlessly. We need a cure. This is why I Relay."

"To see the community come together is the best part of Relay. That, and the knowledge that we are truly making a difference in the world."

"The determination to fight cancer and hopefully one day find a cure through fundraising became even more important."

"It’s good to belong to a group doing something positive for the local and larger community."

"I would strongly encourage other diverse communities to join this worthwhile fundraising endeavour to Relay and raise money for cancer research, prevention and support services." 

"Relay means celebrating the survivors, remembering our loved ones who have passed and hoping that one day we will find a cure to this horrible disease." 

"Being on the Committee has allowed me to learn new leadership skills and also gain lots of confidence. I have loved every single minute of it."

"I am passionate about what I believe in. I believe in a cancer-free future. I believe we will win."

"To me, Relay For Life is the means by which we will find a cure."

"Something happened on the track that day! The love, warmth, acceptance… Relay gave me peace!"

"Join in. Relay. Fight back. Save a life. It might be yours."

"I am one of the lucky ones. I’m a Survivor. Relay is my way of helping to create a cancer-free future."

"Every step and every dollar raised gives hope to someone fighting cancer."

"I know the wonderful power that every Relay has to change the lives of cancer patients and their families."

"My goal has always been to provide hope and to inspire others."

"I was very honoured to have a Research Award named in my honour. When our Happy Feet team captain Meg-Ann presented me with the certificate and letter I was truly humbled. I was truly touched and very grateful."