The tables were filled and the room a hype of activity at the 2024 ovarian cancer awareness and prevention inspired Yarrawonga Friends in Common (FIC) Cancer Awareness Breakfast held at the ClubMulwala Endeavor Room last Wednesday which was a roaring success.
More than 148 people were in attendance for FICs biggest fundraiser of the year, eating a delicious breakfast while listening to the facts and figures of ovarian cancer from Dr Tania Jones and Friends in Common President Christine Merrett.
Ms Merrett said the breakfast was an outstanding success with the organisation raising over $9341 and people speaking more about ovarian cancer awareness.
“What a wonderful breakfast we all had at ClubMulwala,” Mrs Merrett said.
“We are so grateful for all the community support we receive.
“To all who attended our breakfast, we truly hope you all had a great morning and a yummy breakfast.
“Thank you all so much for your wonderful support, which allows us to continue to support the people in our community who are undergoing treatment for cancer.
“Our sincere thanks to ClubMulwala (RSL), Mr Alan Rowe and your gorgeous staff, for the beautiful venue and amazing breakfast we all enjoyed so much as well as a very kind donation of the Essenza Day Spa package for our mega raffle.
“Thanks also to Mulwala Water Ski Club for your kind donation to help us purchase spinning wheel prizes and continued support of Friends in Common, to Mr Peter Duncan and your lovely staff, thank you for joining us.
“To Judds Yarrawonga for the kind donation amazing tradie raffle prize and amazing support all year; a big thank you and well done to Marcus Cummings who was our fabulous MC; to Dr Tania Jones from Yarrawonga Denis Medical Group for sharing your knowledge and raising our awareness of Ovarian Cancer; to Siobahn and Jenny from Yarrawonga Health for all your support and all the information you provided.
“Many thanks to the wonderful students and teachers, Marg Duncan and Karen from Sacred Heart College who assisted on the spinning wheel and at the door; to the lovely ladies Wendy Julia and Christina from Yarrawonga and Border CWA Branch for assisting with our raffle. We thank you for your ongoing support.
“A huge thank you to Peter from Empire Proteas for the donations of beautiful flower baskets for our tables; to Les and the Yarrawonga Chronicle for supporting us always; to all the local businesses that have supported us in so many ways to make the day a huge success. Thank you.
“To all our tradies and special interest groups who joined us for breakfast before heading off to work. We appreciate your time and support this morning.
“Lastly to our lovely Yarrawonga Friends in Common volunteers for all your tireless efforts.
“We especially want to thank the Yarrawonga/ Mulwala and surrounding communities who continually participate and donate to Friends in Common.
“We would not be able to assist our locals who are undergoing cancer treatment with fuel vouchers and accommodation without the generosity of our community.”
Guest speaker Dr Tania Jones was very insightful in her description of the varying stages of ovarian cancer and what medical care is available.
She spoke about how insidious Ovarian Cancer is, as it presents with many and varied symptoms, many of which can be attributed to many other physical conditions.
But the main thing is, if things persist for more than a month with no changes or worsen, then you must see a doctor and ask for specific tests, such as blood tests where they look for the CA125 marker (ovarian cancer marker) and if this comes back elevated then further investigations are required.
Ms Merrett also spoke in depth about the work of Friends in Common and about cancer prevention or treatment.
“Friends in Common are looking after more than 60 people in our local region this year who are suffering with a cancer diagnosis,” Ms Merrett said.
“Prevention is so much better than a cure which is why we wanted to raise the awareness of this issue.
“Many that live in the region and require treatment attend the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre so 20% of our raffle sales will go to the Albury Wodonga Cancer Trust.”
As well as the money raised there were many lucky door prizes and raffles with the major raffle winners being:
> Allen from Geelong who took home the first prize of an Essenza Day Spa Package
> Jack from Mulwala who won a trailer load of wood kindly donated by Martin Casey and the Yarrawonga Mulwala Lakers Cricket Club.
> Trish from Yarrawonga who took home the Blooms Chemist hamper.
> Jack who won the Rich Glen Hamper donated by Seeliger Real Estate.
> Colleen from Barooga who left with a $150 Bunnings voucher donated by Jims Mowing Mulwala.
Ms Merrett also added that anybody that is wanting to give back to the community can meet the ladies and become part of Friends in Common.
“If you would like to find out more about what we can do for you or about volunteering with us please phone 0497689027. Even if it is just for one of two hours a month, anybody that is looking to give back to the community can come and see what we do and take part,” Mrs Merrett said.
“You can also message us or follow us on Facebook @friendsincommonyarrawonga.
“Everyone is welcome.”