ALMOST by osmosis, the freshest Mareeba fruit and vegetables will become diagnostic and treatment endoscopy equipment.
FNQ Growers donated $21,000 to the Mareeba Friends of the Foundation, to be used for their endoscopy campaign.
Growers president Joe Moro said the $21,000 was from 2018’s fruit auction and he hoped to raise more at this year’s in September.
“We raised $800 at our first auction and we are strong supporters of the Mareeba Friends and the Mareeba Hospital,” Mr Moro said.
“This is our community and we are absolutely passionate about it and this is a way we can make a real, tangible difference,” he said.
Mareeba Friends of the Foundation president Ida Portella said the money would go towards $158,000 worth of endoscopy equipment to bring a new service to Mareeba Hospital.
“We just feel that the more people who can be diagnosed and treated at home in Mareeba, the more people will have better cancer outcomes,” Ms Portella said.
“This will benefit the whole community and we’re really excited to be a conduit for the community – be it corporates or schools or individuals or events like the Great Wheelbarrow Race,” she said.
Mareeba Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Nikki Patching said the equipment would support the introduction of endoscopy services at Mareeba Hospital later this year, meaning people can be treated closer to home.
“Bowel cancer is prevalent throughout Australia but we know that if it’s detected early, 90 per cent of cases can be successfully treated,” Dr Patching said.
To donate, make contact with Ms Portella on 0439545322 or any of the Mareeba Friends members.
