"We have all been touched one way or another by cancer."

By Jane Goodier-Hill

We have all been touched one way or another by cancer, and like most people, we each have a story to tell, having lost loved ones to, or seen them beat cancer.

For me I have ridden both the highs and lows of this terrible disease, at age 12 watching my mum Diane battle Cervical Cancer and wondering if my mum, my best friend would be around to watch me grow up, hit milestones in life, and most of all for her to see the kind of person I have grown into with her guidance.  21 years on from mum’s battle with cancer and being known as a “survivor”, she is still living with remains from surgery for Lymphoedema and Cellulitis. The strength and will she shows day in day out is an inspiration, without a single complaint, no matter how bad it gets.

Six years ago I lost my dad Archie, my toughest critic, loudest supporter, (along with mum of course) and the only man a girl really loves, to Pancreatic Cancer, which was a life changer. A whirlwind three months from diagnosis to our final goodbye are three months of my life I will never forget.  I watched such a strong, fit 69 year old deteriorate right before my eyes, a man who was always a fighter and proved anything in life was possible.

Financially I knew I couldn’t support mum and dad so the next best thing was to lighten mum’s load and take dad to some of his appointments.  The day after dad’s first treatment he called me and I panicked thinking something was wrong, only to hear “I’m just calling to say I am feeling okay and that I love you”, music to my ears.

Dad only had three doses of chemo and from that lost the sight in one eye, developed DVT in his leg and started having minor strokes.  I was just hoping that he could hang on until October to walk me down the aisle, a tall ask for a man who never shied away from a challenge.  The first night out of hospital had us all at home for a family dinner, not knowing this would be our last, laughing and joking.

Just after 9am the next day I received a call from my sister telling me to call my brother Matt and head to the Alfred Hospital, three short hours later dad was taken off life support and 15 hours later my unsung hero was gone. What I wouldn’t give for another cuddle, a kiss on the cheek or a chance to sing with him again.

These events changed me into the person I am today and sparked my passion for wanting to do my part for cancer research, so that no-one would have to go through what I went through.  One day I decided I wanted to walk from Sydney to Melbourne in honour of my dad and mum and that walking such a challenging distance over 13 days is a drop in the ocean compared to battling cancer, but one never the less painstaking.  I contacted Cancer Council Victoria and said I wanted to volunteer and raise funds for all cancers, how do I go about it? They provided me with enough information to get my idea off the ground and 12 months later we were walking over 882kms in hope to make a difference no matter big or small.

When I heard about the inaugural Seven Parks Walk Cancer Council Victoria fundraiser, I knew I had to get involved. Knowing that a third of cancers can be prevented by simple lifestyle changes like walking more, I knew it would be a great way to get the message out there. It’s important that my children and other young people develop this knowledge and mentality at a young age, to avoid health issues later in life.

Jane Goodier-Hill: I am a wife, mother of two Jack 4 1/2 years and Charli who is almost 3 years old , younger of twins (by 5 minutes). I work and basically juggle my day trying to be everything to everyone like most working parents.  When I finally have a moment to myself, you can normally find me at the gym or local café.

The Cancer Council Victoria Seven Parks Walk is being held on Sunday 5, October, and registrations are open now. The walk will promote the importance of health and physical activity by walking, while raising funds for Cancer Council Victoria. It’s not a race and everyone will be a winner. The course is a 27km closed loop circuit that travels clockwise around the inner city of Melbourne, highlighting many of the magnificent views and scenery on offer. The course and facilities will be open from 7.30am – 4.30pm on event day.  
Register online www.7parkswalk.com.au for $30 or on the day for $40. Free for children under 12.

Cancer Council Victoria’s mission is to lead, implement and evaluate action to minimise the human cost of cancer for Victorians. Cancer Council Victoria undertakes research to find out more about the causes of cancer, as well as ways to prevent, detect and treat cancers. Cancer Council Victoria provides support programs and education programs to help Victorians reduce their cancer risk.