By Alana Mitchelson
THE Pakenham Hotel will host its first dinner and entertainment charity night to raise money for Lymphoma Australia.
It’s a cause that is close to manager Brendan Theobald’s heart after mother recently passed away from cancer and his sister-in-law Melissa Baker has had a three-year battle with lymphoma.
At the time of her diagnosis, Ms Baker was working full-time in the city and had two children aged six and one.
“Life was busy and it all happened quite quickly,” she said.
“I noticed a lump in my neck one day and within a matter of days I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
“There were no real symptoms aside from feeling itchy all over.
“I, basically, thought I was looking at six months of treatment and here I am three years later on a clinical trial at Austin Hospital for an immunotherapy drug.
“I couldn’t work for two-and-a-half years.”
Ms Baker, who has been in remission for almost a year, will speak about her personal journey with lymphoma at the fundraiser evening on Friday 21 October.
There will be an acoustic guitarist playing live throughout a two-course dinner with entertainment from nationally recognised comedy hypnotist Bizarre Gazzard and his support act Adam Chicken Palmer.
From each ticket sale, $15 will be donated to Lymphoma Australia.
“For us, there’s no money in it. As long as the venue covers its costs, I wouldn’t mind looking at doing more fundraising events down the track,” Mr Theobald said.
“We’ve got high quality acts for half the price with a portion of that money going to charity.
“Come down with friends and have a good night out and a couple of laughs. It’s much more fun than sitting at home watching TV or scouring your Facebook feed.”
Lymphoma is the most common form of blood cancer in Australia and the sixth most common form of cancer.
About 1500 Australians die from lymphoma every year.
The funds raised will go towards supporting lymphoma nurses and helping patients access the best treatment possible.
Tickets cost $75 and are now available for purchase at the hotel. Bookings are essential.
