Relay For Life

This weekend my family and I participated in the Cancer Council's Relay for Life. It is a 24 hour relay to raise money and awareness for those who are suffering or are no longer with us due to Cancer. 

The idea surrounding Relay for Life, is that hopefully in years to come, our generations children, and those after them, no longer have to hear the words 'you have cancer,' due to the money that has been raised towards helping create a cure. 

Together as a community, approximately 98 teams had registered, and over 1300 registered participants walked from 12pm Saturday afternoon, and some into all hours of the night, until 12pm Sunday. 

The weather didn't wash out the smiles and music as team members walked on reaching their goals. 

I sucessfully walked 50 laps on a 400m athletics track, with the help of my sister and best friend. Together we walked for hours on hours. Although we are all run down and extremely sore today, the day after. It was all worth it. 

If you would like to donate to the Cancer Council, all proceeds, not matter how big or small are appreciated. 

https://www.relayforlife.org.au/ 

Claire Louise xxx

Aunty Grace

Today has been just over a week since the death of the most inspiring and courageous woman I have known to this day.

After saying our goodbyes on Wednesday night at the hospital, on Thursday 2nd April, my Aunty Grace left us, free of any pain and distraught.

This past week has left my entire family in such a pit of emotions, I can't even begin to explain. Family get together's are now left empty, your contagious laugh isn't alive anymore and the candle burning next to your picture frame is left to light up the room in memory of your lively spirit.

Although at times it was painful travelling to the hospital multiple times a week for a few months, those times will be remembered for years to come. 

Yesterday we said goodbye, and celebrated the short life in which you lived. It was a beautiful service which had such a high and touching response from everyone who paid their respects. All of the nieces and nephews stood up to speak of memories shared with you and how you touched each and every one of our lives in a different way. 

Aunty Grace was the woman who looked after us when Mum and Dad were unable to. She was the woman, that if watching Hannah Montana made us happy, then she would sit down and watch it with us usually singing louder then the both of us just to make us laugh.

Aunty Grace took on the role of our second mother. She loved us as if we were her own children and did everything in her control to make sure we were always okay, even if she was unable to be with us.

I have no idea how spending every Saturday morning with pom poms entertained you at all of my netball games, but somehow, you made it a priority to be there. All of my dancing concerts, despite I was only in two or three dances, you were always there cheering me on.  

So many things have already happened in the past week that Meagan and I wish that you were here to gossip and laugh about with. The small things that happen between Meagan and I you would be the first person whom we would call. 

I don't think any words would do justice what you meant to Meagan and I and how much you effected the both of our lives. 

Although you are gone, you will never ever leave our thoughts. 

Claire Louise xxx

Palliative Care

Things are always much easier I feel to write than to say aloud.

They're easier to type whilst headphones are in your ears blasting songs with nonsense lyrics, than to look at someone in the eye and talk to them. So, like any other teenager, I'm going to write it to you all. 

A few days before I journeyed to camp, I was informed that someone close to my heart was admitted into hospital. She has always been in and out of the hospital with her cancer, it has been something almost familiar to our family.

Whilst I was away, I had a few texts from her, just the casual conversation. It was not until I arrived home and declined the trip to the city to go and visit her, that I was informed just how sick she was this time around.

Words were being thrown around like, terminal, Palliative Care and pain. I feel it is safe to say, these last few weeks have been difficult on my family. The peacemaker of the family, the one who is always there to bring each and everyone of us together is in Palliative Care, and will not be returning home.  

The cancer has spread. 

I am a crier. You start crying, i'll hold your hand and cry with you, not matter what it's about.

I cry when I have too much homework, I cry when I can't do something I put effort into. You name it, I will/probably have already cried about it.

However this is something different.

Hmm let's say I am on the Titanic, I began this year in Southampton, aiming for Graduation which is New York. We were told weeks ago, that their will be bumps along the way interrupting you from the right path during your senior year. The iceberg for me hit a few weeks ago, and already is sinking, faster than I could have ever imagined it to. 

Holding your head up high and pretending it is okay, I will admit is difficult. I wont lie, not when you know that the most selfless and inspiring women is sitting in her hospital bed wishing she was out doing the ordinary things which we all take for granted.

Everyday she will be in my prays, each day she will be respected and remembered as the most inspiring women I have ever come across in my life. She is a fighter however, and will be here when I hit New York, when I stand on that stage and collect my graduation certificate.

Claire Louise xxx

Fundraising

Throughout the year, my family have been contributing in many fundraising events in order to raise money for bowel cancer. 

Bowel Cancer is an illness which has been floating around in my family for man years now, and has hit close to home on too many occasions. A staggering 13,000 new cases of bowel cancer every year is noticed in Australia. If one family can raise money to create a difference, the term 'bowel cancer' will never have to be talked about again.

Today was our final event for the year, the walkathon. This was a 5 hour event which consisted of walking around an oval. There was a delicious gold coin donation BBQ for lunch and cheeky lolly snacks to grab along the way. 

The weather was at it's peak during the walk but all in all was a success day with many smiling faces and sore feet leaving the oval. Spending the afternoon with all who matter was indeed a fantastic day.

To donate to an amazing cause, I have posted the link below, every cent counts, so please spare your change.

https://doyourownthing.everydayhero.com/au/fastuca-family-fundraising

Claire Louise xxx