Support fight against cancer

By CASEY NEILL
CANCER has touched almost every heart in the hills, with new statistics revealing startling diagnosis rates for the region.
Many locals last week brewed a cuppa and tucked into a slice of cake to show their support for those battling the disease, pay tribute to those who lost the fight, and raise cash to find a cure.
Emerald Community House held an Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea event on Thursday 24 May to support Grace Manson.
The seven-year-old was born with Down syndrome and a hole in her heart and in late February was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
The Ferny Creek Primary School student has been in and out of hospital since, enduring savage chemotherapy treatments and brutal lumbar punctures.
Her parents Naomi and Grant Manson are seeking community support to help them make modifications to their home and cover medical expenses.
Mrs Manson has been overawed with the extra support her family has received from the local community.
“Mary Farrow at the Emerald Community House even opened up a bank account for her, so we’re going to direct all of this fundraising into that,” she beamed.
“At the moment, Gracie’s prognosis is between 70 to 75 per cent.
“We just have to keep doing what we’re doing and hope to God she stays this strong.”
Member for Eastern Victoria Philip Davis encouraged hills residents to support Biggest Morning Tea events throughout May and June.
He said new data showed that 800 people in the Gembrook electorate were diagnosed with cancer between 2008 and 2010, and 266 lost their battle.
In Evelyn, 284 of the 895 people diagnosed with cancer died during the period, as did 280 of 860 patients in Monbulk.
“Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea events are an opportunity to raise funds to help find a cure for this disease and show our support to those fighting cancer, or the families left behind,” Mr Davis said.
In Gembrook, the prostate was the leading cancer site for local men with 170 cases, while bowel cancer was the leading killer, claiming 27 lives. Breast cancer was the leading cancer site and cancer cause of death in women, with 100 cases claiming 27 lives.
In Evelyn, prostate cancer was again the most common type to affect men and breast cancer the most common in women, but lung cancer was the biggest killer, claiming 53 lives.
In Monbulk, 200 men were diagnosed with prostrate cancer and 100 women were diagnosed with breast cancer. Lung cancer claimed 49 lives.
All Biggest Morning Tea proceeds go to Cancer Council Victoria’s research and prevention programs and support services for those affected by cancer.
Other Biggest Morning Tea events in the hills included one at Tecoma’s Picaninny Recycled Clothing on Thursday 24 May which raised $250. Organiser Karen Rook thanked everyone who attended.
“We exceeded our goal,” she said. “Not bad for a little shop in Tecoma.”
To donate to the Emerald Community House’s support fund for Grace Manson, direct deposit to Commonwealth Bank BSB 063-842, account number 1009 3095 and include ‘Manson’ in the reference. Donations can also be left at Emerald Community House, 356-358 Belgrave-Gembrook Road, Emerald.
Visit www.biggestmorningtea.com.au or call 1300 656 585 to register an event or for more information.