GIVING CANCER THE RUN AROUND

ROBIN Menken is all too familiar with what devastating effects a cancer diagnosis has on a family.

Not only was Mrs Menken diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, but three out of her six children also tested positive to the BRca2 gene mutation, putting them at risk of being faced with the same devastating diagnosis as their mother.

Her daughter Jo was even forced to take preventive measures to ensure she protects herself from being a genetic statistic by having her breasts removed.

Mrs Menken and her family took part in the 10th year of the Mother’s Day Classic yesterday at Pratten Park in Broadbeach which has so far raised $33.2 million for the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s research programs.

“This day means the world to me because I get to do it with my girls,” she said.

Robin’s daughter Jo Menken had both her breasts removed after testing positive to the genetic defect which

Picture: GLENN HAMPSON Robin Menken and granddaughter Charlotte Lucas at the Mother’s Day Clasic yesterday.

Picture: JERAD WILLIAMS Natalie McAvoy with Kerys, 5, Liam, 10, and Adrian Hughes holding Rocky.

Picture: JEARD WILLIAMS Melanie and Michael Costa with Harvey, 3, at Broadwater Parklands.

Picture: GLENN HAMPSON Maria Depetro and Martin Coelho at yesterday’s run.