Even though Kingswood’s Karen Cutts said a final goodbye to her father last year, she is still determined to play a part in finding a cure for cancer.
And participating in the annual Relay For Life in Penrith is part of the process.
“My dad was diagnosed with cancer six years ago so that was the reason I started Relay For Life,” she said.
“He had bowel cancer, and then secondary liver cancer.”
Ms Cutts is taking part in her fifth Relay For Life this weekend.
“A lot of people ask me, ‘why do you keep doing it Karen,’ and only this week a friend of mine has lost her brother, and one of my cousins is really sick,” she said.
“It’s not stopping, it’s only going to affect more and more people, so why not try? If it’s not going to affect me, it’s going to affect someone really close to me.”
Taking part in Relay For Life allows Ms Cutts to continue to raise awareness and funds in the fight against cancer, as well as providing support to others who have found themselves mourning a family member who was taken by cancer.
“Every second person that you talk to is going to come down on the day or support it in some way which is such lovely community spirit,” she said.
“If you come down, you don’t feel alone. When you’re in the midst of it all, there is time when you do feel alone.
“When you walk the Relay For Life, you realise that so many people are going through the same journey and that you just aren’t alone at all, there are so many people to help by lending an ear or just being there.”
While Relay For Life is about recognising and celebrating those who have overcome cancer or are undergoing treatment, it is also an opportunity to thank those who give their time, love and support to others facing cancer.
This year, survivors and carers are invited to join the 2018 Penrith Relay For Life Survivors and Carers walk and morning tea starting at 10am on Saturday, April 7 at the Penrith Paceway.
Relay For Life is a 24 hour event that this year runs on Saturday, April 7 and Sunday, April 8 at the Paceway.
Contact Natalia at Cancer Council Greater Western Sydney on 9354 2000 or email [email protected] for any information.
Emily Newton
Emily Newton is the Weekender's police and political reporter. Emily is also the Weekender's Senior Journalist.