September will be international childhood cancer awareness month, and what better way to get the message out than by 'going gold' in the Shoalhaven.
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The not for profit charity Shoalhaven Assistance and Support Inc is inviting all businesses in Nowra and Bomaderry to participate in Shoalhaven Goes Gold by either competing in a 'decorate your business gold' competition or by holding a gold coin donation morning tea.
All proceeds will go to Neuroblastoma Australia - an organisation raising awareness and funds for an aggressive childhood cancer commonly found in adrenal glands.
Neuroblastoma is the number one killer of toddlers and babies and diagnoses are usually made before the age of five.
Suzanne Hammond-Warne is the driving force behind the project and knows all too well the impacts this disease can have on children and their families.
The former local principal and primary school teacher had a personal connection to the mother of Georgia Fletcher, a 12-year-old Sussex Inlet girl who passed from the disease in June.
Georgia was four when she was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma and went through 18 months of chemotherapy, radiation and stem cell treatment before going into remission but her disease returned when she was eight years old.
The chance of survival is slim for recurring cases of neuroblastoma.
Suzanne said Georgia's courage was an inspiration to the community of Sussex Inlet and all who knew her.
Unfortunately we can't bring Georgia back but we can try to prevent more children dying from this dreadful disease.
- Suzanne Hammond-Warne
The charity will be holding a Shoalhaven Goes Gold Calendar launch at the Hyper Hyper Coffee café in Nowra from 9am till 2pm on September 3.
A market stall will also be set up at the Sussex Inlet markets on September 11 to raise funds by selling the calendars, cakes and other items.
Shoalhaven Goes Gold was hoping to stage an official launch on Saturday, August 28 at Harry Sawkins Park. It has now been pushed back to Saturday, October 2 due to COVID-19.
The fashion parade in the park has been moved to Wednesday, October 13 and the Gala Dinner at Nowra Golf Club will be held on Saturday, October 30.
Shoalhaven Community Choir will be singing and will launch the sale of the Shoalhaven Goes Gold calendar.
For more information on how to enter the competition, participate in the morning tea event or purchase tickets for the many events, go to Shoalhaven Goes Gold and Shoalhaven Goes Gold Activities on Facebook.
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Liam Cormican
I'm a journalist for the South Coast Register. Got a tip? Email liam.cormican@austcommunitymedia.com.au
I'm a journalist for the South Coast Register. Got a tip? Email liam.cormican@austcommunitymedia.com.au
