Who will you Relay for? That is the question Cancer Council is asking the Hastings community in the lead up to Hastings Relay For Life which is on again in November.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Relay for Life on November 2-3 at Oxley Oval draws people from all walks of life, bringing them together as one in celebration of loved ones who have survived cancer, showing support for folk going through their cancer journey and remembering family and friends who have been lost to cancer.
Cancer Council has nominated Kelly Cowell as this year's Hastings Relay For Life ambassador.
Kelly was carer for her dad Grant, who after a number of misdiagnoses, was finally diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiform 4 in August 2017.
"Dad had an operation nine days later at John Hunter Hospital when 95 per cent of the aggressive tumour was removed," Kelly explained.
"He was involved in a US drug trial. The whole experience was a roller coaster."
John Hunter Hospital had a kiosk devoted to Cancer Council information which gave Kelly an opportunity to learn even more information about her dad's condition.
Although Grant was very ill, he was very supportive of Kelly's involvement with Relay for Life and accompanied her in May last year on the survivors and carers walk. He came back at dusk with Kelly's two sisters to attend the candlelight ceremony.
A decision was made to cease treatment on March 18 and for Grant to have 'quality of life' not quantity.
Grant's tenet for living was "live, love, laugh - life is too short".
"The Hastings Relay For Life is a truly magical and empowering experience and an amazing event that has the unique ability to bring a community together in a way that no other event really can. You realise you are not alone. It is also a weekend of fun and laughter, talking, walking and even a few tears," she said.
Relaying in memory of her father, Kelly is urging businesses and individuals to register online through www.cancercouncil.org.au/hastingsrelay or contact Lauren Fraser, Cancer Council's community relations coordinator on 6659 8400.
Registration is from $25, with survivors and carers honoured with free registration and a complimentary morning tea.