Angela strives to spread message
SPENDING time with family over a good meal is one of the pleasures Angela Capitanio relishes after facing down cancer not once, but twice.
The Cairns real estate agent is now working with the Cancer Council Queensland on its Walk for Women’s Cancers tomorrow to help shine a light on how cancer affects women.
Ms Capitanio beat breast cancer at 39, but had to relive the heartache cancer brings when her pregnant daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years later.
“Our world stopped – we had the joy of a beautiful baby, but my daughter went through numerous surgeries and months of chemotherapy and radiation,” Ms Capitanio said.
“Fortunately, treatment was successful, and she just celebrated her 50th birthday. My granddaughter is now 24.”
Ms Capitanio then underwent another round of breast cancer treatment 20 years after her initial diagnosis.
“We are so lucky to have survived this journey because there are many who have not,” she said.
Ms Capitanio said raising awareness was her main motivation for becoming the face of the Cairns Walk for Women’s Cancers.
“I urge all women with daughters and granddaughters to ensure those they love are looking after themselves – going to the doctor and staying up to date with their screenings,” she said.
Walkers will leave from Salt House at 8am for a walk along the Esplanade to raise funds.
Participants are encouraged to dress in pink.
Anyone wanting to participate is invited to register individually or as a team and walk either 3km for $25 or 6km for $30. Children under 18 are free.
Visit www. walkforwomen.org.au to register or call 1300 65 65 85.