MAKING STRIDES IN CANCER FIGHT
THE Mother’s Day Classic run is gearing up for its 25th anniversary, honouring those affected by breast cancer while raising vital funds.
Tens of thousands of people are expected to take part on May 8 at 70 locations nationwide, with attendees set to walk, run or jog for the cause.
Among those taking part at the Geelong event is local survivor Marketta Macdonald, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018.
After discovering two large tumours, Ms Macdonald required aggressive treatment, including chemotherapy, many different medications, radiation and surgery.
“The initial 12 months from diagnosis to treatment was emotionally and physically one of the hardest things I have ever had to face,” she said.
“Every year since I finished my treatment I feel a little bit better, a little stronger and a little more like me.”
“Our children were two and five at the time – being away from them during treatment and surgery was what I personally found the hardest. Being too tired to play, too sore to pick them up and unable to cuddle them was heartbreaking.”
Since completing treatment in 2019, Ms Macdonald has taken part in the Mother’s Day Classic each year.
“I’ll be doing the 8km run and my husband, Jeremy, and my two children, Kohden and Keana, will be doing the 4km walk,” she said.
“I have created a team online and I have had friends also joining my team in which we have raised over $2000 together from donations from local business and friends and family.
“I need to continue to share my story to raise awareness and we need to work together as a community because we can’t achieve this goal alone.”
The Geelong event will be held at Eastern Park.