For Mooloolaba grandmother Carol Adams, everyday necessities most of us take for granted were taken away in the blink of an eye as she laboured to breathe, eat, and even speak during the early stages of battling a rare cancer.
Carol was confronted by a diagnosis of tongue cancer in 2019 and endured a gruelling 36 rounds of radiation before achieving remission in 2020.
Her journey planted the seed for a support group dedicated to those grappling with the challenges of head and neck cancer.
The Sunshine Head and Neck Cancer Support Group was established in mid-2021 to not just offer solace, but to raise awareness and provide support to better the lives of those navigating this heartbreaking journey.
“My aim with the support group is to not only offer support to those affected by head and neck cancer but to reach people before they get to the point of needing treatment.”
The group meet for coffee regularly and fundraise to aid those battling head and neck cancer.
The collective effort of this small yet mighty group have raised over $34,000 since inception with numerous fundraising initiatives that has funded laser machines, discounted lymphedema massages, care packages, and a generous contribution of $3,500 to Wishlist to cover 50 nights of accommodation for patients and families enduring head and neck cancer.
The ambitious group aren’t stopping there, their next fundraising endeavour is Saturday, July 13th at Headland Golf Club.
Chris Fletcher, a 35-year throat cancer warrior, and his wife Christine, jumped at the opportunity to be part of the group to share their experiences and what they had learned throughout their journey.
“After nearly 15 years enjoying a carefree life, the big C decided to come back in 2016,” Chris says.
Chris had surgery to remove the tumour however complications after surgery resulted in him losing the ability to eat or drink.
“I have been relying on the PEG tube ever since.”
He explained the hardships of feeling often misunderstood or feeling judged for things like needing to bring his own pureed food to public venues when the couple eat out.
“It doesn’t stop us though, we do what we can, go out when we can,” Christine says.
“I am a cheap date” Chris jokes.
Wishlist CEO Lisa Rowe applauded the group's efforts, emphasising the relief such gestures bring to families facing health crises.
"On behalf of those many families I want to say a very heartfelt thank you,” Lisa says.
Join the Sunshine Coast Head and Neck Cancer support group for their next fundraiser at Headland Golf Club in July 13th for a fun evening of degustation and wine pairing plus raffles and of course supporting a good cause! Donations from the fundraising event will be kindly donated to Wishlist to support those affected by head and neck cancer.
