By Mikayla van Loon
Drawing on her own experience as a nurse but also as someone who lost their mum to breast cancer, Lilydale’s Sheree Bollom hosted her second Girls Night In fundraiser earlier this month.
Bringing women and girls together on Saturday 12 October, Sheree was able to raise over $5600 for the Cancer Council, placing the Together We Can event as the fourth highest fundraiser in Victoria.
First deciding to host a fundraiser in 2019, Sheree said she hopes to continue the tradition every five years to raise awareness not only about cancer itself but the importance of funding, technology, early detection and treatments.
“This ladies night was in support and in memory of those affected by cancer, including people living with cancer, cancer survivors, carers and friends because together we can make a difference,” she said.
“The inspiration and reason for [the event] however, goes beyond my professional nursing career and the drive to educate about cancer screening, statistics and health resources.
“The cause is close to my heart as I lost my precious mum to breast cancer when I was 15 years old. Mum – Denise Manners – it’s now been 22 years since you left us – which seems like a lifetime, I’ll always love and miss you mum.”
The Together We Can event, Sheree said, was an opportunity to gather and remember those lost to cancer and celebrate survivors in a positive space.
“The plan was to lift women up and bring women’s cancers down,” she said.
“We united as women for a worthy cause and it was a fabulous evening with live music, food and drinks, a silent and live auction with some fabulously dressed auctioneers, a health hub with resources, tribute wall, photo booth, on site massages and physio advice and we had the opportunity for reflection during share time.”
With 75 local sponsors getting on board to support the event, from gyms to photographers, cafes to hairdressers, it meant hampers, prizes and vouchers were given to the women in attendance.
Each day, 46 women in Victoria are diagnosed with cancer, adding to the tens of thousands of people diagnosed in the state each year.
“Cancer sucks and the statistics show this. Every year, more than 35,500 Victorians are diagnosed with cancer. The number of cases will increase as our population grows and ages. In Victoria, 32 people die from cancer every day,” Sheree said.
“What is the good news here? Thanks to advanced technology, research and the generosity of people with fundraisers like this, the rate of women dying from cancer is declining.
“Cancer patients need hope. Raising vital funds for the Cancer Council gives hope. Research gives power to scientists, medical teams, patients and their families.”
While not planning to host another fundraiser until 2029, Sheree said in the meantime, those eligible should “get screened for breast cancer, cervical cancer and bowel cancer”.
“Know your body and be aware of any changes. If you do notice any changes – take action.
“Love yourself enough to live a healthy lifestyle. Be happy with the beautiful things that make you, you. And live your best life!”
