Colleagues turn the focus to Chris
Modest as always, Chris insists this is not about her, but the “amazing job” a couple of work colleagues have done since she was diagnosed with breast cancer seven weeks ago.
Chris battled breast cancer 16 years ago so fundraising, walking and working for local Relay for Life events were all part of the cause in raising funds and awareness of cancer.
While she has walked as a survivor and knows firsthand the journey faced by cancer patients, she admits she never thought she would face the battle again.
Chris had been away for five weeks in Central Australia and on her return attended her routine 12 month mammogram and ultrasound.
In shock, and feeling “as fit as a fiddle,” Chris embraced the journey ahead of her again.
Since then she has had a double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery.
The cancer cells removed from Chris have been sent to America for an oncatype dx test which is currently unavailable in Australia. The testing determines whether chemotherapy would be an appropriate treatment.
Results were returned last week, showing chemotherapy would have a less than one percent impact on the type of Chris’ cancer so she will not undergo it.
Chris is now “slotting back” into work life but the response of her work colleagues at Crowe Horwath is what tugged at Chris’ heart strings the most.
Daniel Hibbins and Gabe Guppy have organised a team of staff, friends and family to participate in the City to Sea walk and run on November 15, with all team funds raised going to the Breast Cancer Foundation in Chris’ honour.
Daniel said Chris was a person that had a lot of impact on many staff, particularly younger staff who she tended to “mother.”
“At the start I was hesitant because I didn’t know what support I would get but it was a no brainer – everyone just got on board and supported Chris and that says a lot of the sort of person she is.
“She is a much loved team member and we wanted to come together and do something like this.
“A lot of workplaces have people like Chris who have been there for a long time. She has done a lot for everyone here.
“She has always shown the attitude to put others before herself,” he said.
Daniel said while the team and fundraising was in honour of Chris, there were lots of mothers, sisters, daughters and friends in the community that were facing similar battles.
The event has been a team bonding experience for staff, who don their fitness gear twice a week after work for training sessions.
Daniel said for a group of accountants and office staff it was a great opportunity to be active after sitting at their desks all day.
Sixteen staff members have signed up for the team event, which includes a five kilometre walk or 15 kilometre run.
Chris will be supported by her family including grandchildren and her 82year-old mother Beth Fawcett who is keen to do her bit.
The team set out to raise $1000 but has already exceeded that limit and has now raised the bar to $2000.
Anyone wanting to donate to the Breast Cancer Foundation on Chris’ behalf and for team Crowe Horwath Eastern Victoria can log onto: www.city2sea2015.everydayhero.com/a u/crowe-horwath-eastern-victoria
by Yvette Brand Chris Cumming has devoted many hundreds of hours as a volunteer committee member for Relay for Life but now it is her turn to be the focus of fundraising efforts.