Liza’s legacy proves she wasn’t ordinary
Local fundraising group Pharaoh's Secret Angels has penned the 'No Ordinary Girl' cookbook to raise funds for West Gippsland Hospital's Oncology Unit.
The group began in 2018 after Warragul Industrials Football and Netball Club member Liza Pharaoh was diagnosed with cancer.
Her friends and family rallied around her and became committed to supporting cancer research and patients through raising awareness and funds.
Liza was passionate about food, exercise, health, and well-being. She spent much of her time fundraising for cancer research and patient support, and today her friends, family and Pharaoh's Secret Angels carry on her legacy.
Liza was a talented netballer, playing for the Warragul Industrials for more than 20 years, and is remembered in the book for her "unwavering enthusiasm and positivity".
President of Pharaoh's Secret Angels Natasha Davis and vice treasurer Nicky Mcdonald said the cookbook was essentially a representation of Liza throughout her life. It contains 64 recipes spread across nine chapters, including Liza's childhood favourites, meals she enjoyed sharing with friends and family, and her own go-to recipes, including her granola crumble and rocky road slice.
The book contains recipes for snacks, juices, dinners, lunches, and desserts.
The pair said they believe Liza would be very proud of the finished product and would even have a laugh at the inclusion of her childhood favourite, Pigs in Blankets.
"This cookbook was Liza's idea," Ms Mcdonald explained. I think it's perfect, it's got healthy and naughty food... it is real comfort food."
Members of the Pharaoh's Secret Angels group, friends, and family contributed to the special book - which also has an additional three chapters containing workout routines and wellness tips.
Ms Davis said one of the best things about it is that the recipes are simple and easy for anyone to cook at home. There are not any unusual or hard-to-find ingredients - just items people can easily get at their local grocery store.
Profits from book sales go toward the Oncology Unit, which Pharaoh's Secret Angels have supported for many years.
"They're amazing, especially the oncology nurses - they're just beautiful," Ms Davis told The Gazette.
One of the specific programs supported through the group's fundraising efforts is the Cancer Patient Care Coordinator program at WGH.
The program provides one-on-one support for people who are diagnosed with cancer. The care coordinator acts as a point of contact for the patient, checking on their wellbeing, helping to coordinate appointments, explaining information, and helping them link with different services they may need. They also check in with patients by phone before treatment to help with the early detection of issues and increase the opportunity for referrals.
The program is not government-funded and is currently made possible through donations.
'No Ordinary Girl' is the product of months of hard work spent collecting recipes, cooking and photographing food, and consulting with Liza's family and friends.
The final product is a beautifully presented collection of recipes, exercise and wellness tips, and memories of Liza and the times she shared with those around her.
'No Ordinary Girl' is available to purchase at: pharaohs.org.au