When Penny Johnston from Cancer Council reached out to me last year seeking support with fundraising, I was more than happy to donate a Thermomix®. At the time, I knew she was also after local talent to join the crew of dancer for her major fundraising event – Stars of the Beaches 2022 but at the time a ACL injury prevented me from participating (or should I say saved me from participating). Then a chance meet up this year, she asked me again to be part of Stars of the Beaches 2023.
After a lengthly discussion, and having just lost my mum and dad, having been surrounded by some pretty awful diagnosis of cancer (my own husband and sister) and the recent loss of close family and friends, I knew it was time to step up and support her with this wonderful cause.
Bringing awareness is key with these charity events. Learning about what we have in our local community I really see as important.
Did you all know that we have Cancer Council services available to families on the Northern Beaches – finance and/or counselling? I didn’t until Penny shared this with me. There are 2 cancer centres in Frenches Forest and a wig library setup also. These are free services. With two people receiving a cancer diagnosis by the time they are 85, it’s so important we continue to support and to educate our community and what’s available. Events and notices like these bring awareness.
As much as the whole process of learning a dance routine and performing in front of a live audience seemed daunting when first shared, I honestly felt this was nothing in comparison to what some families must go through. Time to put my big girl pants on and get out of comfort zone and try something new. Under Penny, the process has been professional and supportive. Loads of guidance for fundraising and the only thing left was to learn the bloody dance… how hard could that be?
Well, lets just say I have a wonderful patient dance teacher in Lea – Lea spends her days engaging and supporting people with additional needs in Art, Music and Dance therapy. She works as a Disability Support Practitioner for people with Cerebral Palsy to learn more about these disabilities while doing Art and Dance therapy. Her studio in Dee Why, it is a beautiful space! If you would like to reach out to Lea, her email is [email protected].
We all have a fundraising target, my target was to hit $10k leading up to the dance on the 18th of November in Manly. I’m getting very close to reaching this target with wonderful support from family and friends and my local community.
A raffle taking place on 12th November to WIN A THERMOMIX® pack valued at $2800.00 is one way you can help with a donation. A small $12.00 donation via this LINK gets you a ticket into the draw. Alternatively maybe skip your morning coffee for one day this week and make a small donation HERE. Every dollar you donate makes such a difference to our local community Cancer Council services.
If you would like to find out more how you can get involved next year either dancing or supporting in some way please reach out to Penny Johnston from the Cancer Council – [email protected]