Long walk for change
SHE’S beaten cancer twice before and Jodie Budgen kept up the fight with her sixth Relay for Life at the weekend. The 46-year-old (left with breast cancer survivor Bonnie Martin) were among the survivors and supporters at Barlow Park aiming to raise $250,000 for the Cancer Council.
JODIE Budgen has through cancer twice.
The 46-year-old was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 22 and recovered from surgery before being diagnosed again at 29.
Now taking part in Relay For Life is her way of giving back to the Cancer Council.
“They gave me a wig when I was going through treatment and they arranged my counselling for me,” she said.
“I wanted to find a way to support them, and this is it.”
Ms Budgen completed her sixth Relay For Life this weekend and said it was a moving tribute to those lost as the search for a cure continues.
“It’s all about hope and meeting other people who are survivors,” she said.
“Seeing the number of people who come every year … it means the world to me.
“Every person who goes to Relay For Life has been touched by cancer in some way, whether that’s personally or through a friend or family member. It’s lovely to see Cairns rally behind finding a cure.”
This year’s face of the relay, 19-year-old Hayley McKean, said for many cancer sufferers hope was all they had.
“We hope this year’s event goes a long way towards having a cancer-free future,” she said. lived
Thirteen years ago Miss McKean was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at just six years old.
“It was a very aggressive type of leukaemia but I’m 12 years in remission now,” she said. “Events like Relay For Life are so important … you can talk to people who are suffering or who have loved ones who are suffering, and let them know to never give up hope.”
Heather Seccull, 66, was diagnosed with breast cancer mid-January last year, right before a family holiday, and the Gordonvale woman said running the survivor’s lap helped her get to know others in similar situations.
“I was given a 10-17 per cent chance of making 10 years; I’m determined I’m going to get to 75,” she said.
“I plan to keep on doing it for as long as I can; the care up here is wonderful and everyone is so friendly and supportive.”
The Cairns Relay upped its fundraising goal from $220,000 to $250,000 yesterday.
Relay chairwoman Christina French said she was confident they would hit the mark after everything was tallied.
“We had fewer teams but 1200 people registered, 100 more than last year, plus a big turnout from the general public,” she said.
“It was just packed; everyone’s having so much fun, the weather was beautiful, if a little cold.”
Ms French said the turnout from younger runners was particularly inspiring.