Charlee Rose Paron hates the Arrows of Mt Whitfield.
But she’s fundraising and taking part in the MacDonnells Law Arrow Experience on June 20 – in memory of her precious aunt Mandy (Manuella) Moore.
On April 25 this year, when Mandy succumbed to breast cancer, Charlee signed up to take part in the event which is fundraising for breast screening equipment.
“Mum had already signed up, but the day my aunt died, that was it for me. I decided I had to do whatever I could for others,” 20-year-old Charlee said.
Mandy was first diagnosed with the disease nine years ago but after chemotherapy and radiation, thought everything was ok.
“She used to work at Big W Stockland next to the chemist where I work and she was coming in saying she had joint pain and it was old age so she got some vitamins and then she said her stomach was really upset so she went to the doctor. It turned out her stomach was filling up with cancer cells and it (cancer) was just everywhere,” Ms Paron said.
Mandy died aged just 56 after a torturous battle with the disease and the side effects of various drug regimes.
“She just understood me in ways no one else seemed to. She changed my life for the better and made me cherish what I have. I knew she wouldn’t want us to be sad. I hate the Arrows. But I’m not doing it for me, I’m doing it for everyone else.”
Before she died, Manuella calculated she had raised almost $40,000 for charities, including Gordonvale Memorial Hospital, which provides palliative care.
Foundation CEO Tony Williamson said Charlee’s family story was terribly sad but an incredible motivation for their family taking part in the event.
“We know that breast cancer affects so many in our community – one in seven women will be impacted and by providing this equipment if we can help women be diagnosed quicker, that might save some lives,” Mr Williamson said.
“We’ve got about 200 people registered for the event and the fundraising has reached more than $50, 000 so we’re really confident we’ll reach our $80, 000 target,” Mr Williamson said.
He encouraged everyone to participate in the walk or donate towards the walk on June 20 to make a difference.
www.arrowexperience.org.au
Photos: Charlee Rose with Foundation CEO Tony Williamson and with her aunt Mandy before she died.
