“When you are told by a loved one that they have the big C, you instinctively go into turmoil.”
Emotions are
running high and as much as you don’t want it to, the first thing that pops in to these crazy brains of ours is death. Once you get over the initial shock, death is not an option, it’s time to put up a fight and kick its butt.
Unfortunately, cervical cancer can be aggressive; there’s no mucking around. Vicki fought like Mohammed Ali but devastatingly, cancer was tougher.
On the last Saturday night I spent with Vicki, although very frail and not looking herself, all I could think of was all of the great memories we shared and how lucky I was to be blessed with such a beautiful friendship and how I would carry on her legacy. My Vic passed away at exactly 7am the next morning holding my hand tight.
Vic loved a long lunch; one filled with family, friends and laughter. So what better way to celebrate her incredible life as well as all of the other beautiful women who have prematurely lost their lives to cervical cancer than to host an annual luncheon in her memory. The Luncheon has raised approximately $20,000 in the past, with proceeds going to ACCF to support Australian women and their families suffering from this crippling disease. Not only is it an opportunity to remember Vic and raise much needed funds, it’s a chance to remind men and women that cervical cancer is real and it doesn’t discriminate. It can affect anyone, you, your mum, sister or daughter.
There’s a big chance that we may still have our Vic here if she didn’t postpone her Pap Test by nine months. As women, let’s support each other and lift the stigma on having a Pap Smear. It could truly save your life. Please join me to honour my beautiful Vic at Vicki’s Luncheon at the Hilton Pool Terrace on Saturday 8th October. Book your ticket today: https://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=191877
This blog post was written by ACCF volunteer Lauren Maidens who created “Vicki’s Lunch” in 2014.
