Elaine stays upbeat
Relay volunteer ‘on other side’
ELAINE Holman has been volunteering with Cancer Council Victoria for a decade.
The dedicated volunteer has been taking part in Relay For Life, which raises important funds for the organisation, since 2006.
But this year, it is likely she will not be taking part.
“I’d like to think I could do just one lap, but I’m not sure that will be OK,” Mrs Holman said.
Late last year, she was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer, which has metastasised.
The 75-year-old Belmont grandmother is undergoing a gruelling treatment regimen involving radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
She has had a brain lesion removed, and there is a metastasis in her pelvis.
Mrs Holman has never smoked, and said the cancer was rare in women, and particularly uncommon in women who had not smoked.
She said it was “really different” being the one with cancer, rather than working to assist people with the disease.
“I’m on the other side of the fence, looking out instead of in, “Mrs Holman said.
She said she worked with the Cancer Council as a community speaker, and was learning “all the things I’ve been talking about, services I’ve been spruiking . . . are now part of my life, which is really quite different”.
“Emotionally, it’s strange,” she said.
In terms of prognosis, Mrs Holman said she had not asked for or been given one.
Although she may not have the physical strength to take part in this year’s relay, she was hoping to attend the opening ceremony and candlelight ceremony.
She encouraged teams and individuals to register for the event.
Geelong Relay For Life will be held on March 2 and 3 at St Albans Reserve, Thomson.
The overnight event raises money for Cancer Council’s research and support services.
It also presents an opportunity for the community to celebrate cancer survivors, patients and those who have cared for them, and to honour loved ones who have passed away from cancer.
A Surf Coast Relay For Life will also be held, and will take place on March 15 and 16 at Polwarth Oval in Torquay.
More information about the event and registering is available online at the Geelong and Surf Coast events’ websites.