By NICOLE WILLIAMS
THE Pink Smurfettes have every reason to walk 60 kilometres to end women’s cancer – three out of four smurfettes have had breast cancer.
Jane Masters, Lindsey Buick and Simone Oliver have or are undergoing treatment and so didn’t hesitate when Jenny Prowse asked them to join The Pink Smurfettes and take part in the Walk to End Women’s Cancer in March next year.
Jenny has watched all three personally struggle with their unique cancer journey: Simone was recently diagnosed and started radiation therapy this week; Lindsey recently finished treatment and Jane was treated two years ago.
“Every person participating in this walk is so passionate about the cause and has been touched by cancer,” Jenny said.
“I don’t want to see any more breast cancer in women, let’s end it, just get rid of it. I have watched too many women struggle.”
Having experienced the diagnosis first-hand, the other three women each have their own reason for participating in the walk.
“For me, it is to give something back,” Lindsey said.
“I met some beautiful carers, nurses and doctors and they give you the caring treatment you don’t pay for. It is important to give back.”
For Jane, it is about the future.
“I’ve got a 21-year-old daughter so to me a cure is important,” she said with tears in her eyes.”
Simone wants to give back but also get fitter following her surgery.
The quartet has a $10,000 fund-raising target and has been humbled by the support.
“The shops in Berwick are behind us, the local traders have been awesome,” Jenny said.
“We have set a $10,000 target as a team but obviously would love to make $30,000.”
The team is also planning plenty of sausage sizzles in the next six months and a barefoot bowls event.
The Walk to End Women’s Cancers will be held over two days on 1 and 2 March next year and participants will walk 60 kilometres around Melbourne.
It will raise money for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
“I am looking forward to the sisterhood, the power of people and to celebrate the strength of women,” Jenny said.
Lindsey said it would be a celebration. “I want to see how many people can kick its (cancer’s) arse,” she said.
“Imagine all the girls talking and walking as if it were the end of the world.”
“We can save the world in 30 kilometres,” Jenny added.
To support the The Pink Smurfettes, visit www.endcancer.org.au/index.html and search the team name or email thepinksmurfettes@outlook.com
