John Watson
Through my role with the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund board, I’ve had the privilege of being involved with the Sunshine Walk since its launch in 2019.
Unfortunately just before last year’s walk, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and ended up watching a livestream of the event from my hospital bed.
Having lost my wife, Christine, to breast cancer in 2017, and now having experienced cancer myself, I know what an incredible service our local cancer centre provides, and how important it is to support it.
It is only through events like the Sunshine Walk, where all money raised stays 100% local, that I’ve been able to access a ground-breaking new trial targeting rare, advanced cancers. I’ve also been able to access programs and services provided through the Wellness Centre, which is fully-funded by community donations, and have had amazing support from family, friends and cancer centre staff.
Although I’m no longer on the Trust Fund board, I’m thrilled to support this wonderful community event in the hope that it will help more people like myself in the future.
Sian Cater
“I’m Sian Cater, a 39-year-old Border resident and cancer survivor. In December 2021, my world was turned upside down when a cancerous tumour was discovered on my brain.
"At the time I was in the midst of planning the work Christmas party and I just couldn’t process the information. I kept going as though nothing was wrong. Outwardly I was joining in with the festivities but inside I was struggling to cope.
"I was fortunate to have the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre to support me and my family through the diagnosis, treatment and surgery that followed, and they are still supporting me today. That’s why I am proud to be an Ambassador for this year’s Sunshine Walk.
"Im proud to say last year I raised $7900 for the centre, with the help of my wonderful family, friends, and colleagues at Wodonga-based builder TVN On-Country where I work as a contract’s administrator. It is important to me that when people in our region hear the awful words, 'You have cancer', they also hear 'We are here to help'.
"I will be working hard to promote the centre and its work and make this year’s Sunshine Walk the most successful fundraiser to date."
