Let the sunshine in

STORY: ANNA MCGUINNESS PHOTOGRAPHY: RECHELLE ZAMMIT

Let the sunshine in

A PINK RIBBON EVENT WILL MIX FUN, FASHION AND FLAIR WITH FUNDRAISING FOR CANCER CARE IN THE GOULBURN VALLEY THIS MONTH. AND FOR SOME OF THOSE INVOLVED IN ORGANISING THE EVENT, IT’S PERSONAL.

VICKI SCOTT knows just how important quality cancer care close to home is, after she received the news no-one wants to hear.

After noticing something wasn’t quite right, Vicki was diagnosed with bowel cancer in March, with tests uncovering it had spread to her liver and was stage 4.

Vicki has been able to have her chemotherapy and radiation treatments in Shepparton, only needing to travel to Melbourne for liver surgery and a bowel resection.

“When I did my radiation, it was 25 days, every day and you’re only on that bed for about 10 minutes,” she said.

“So, if you had to travel a long distance to have that, whereas I was able to work it around my job and everyday life.”

Vicki is the ambassador for the upcoming Pink Ribbon Sunglasses Expo in October.

CELEBRATING CARE FOR NEW FAMILIES

Women’s and children’s health should always be one of our highest priorities as a community. When we have good services for women and children, it benefi ts families and our overall society.

Our future generations depend on us to improve these health services. That’s why I, along with the community, have long advocated for a Mother Baby Unit (Early Parenting Centre) to Congratulations to ConnectGV on ensure our new families get the very best start to life. the completion of its new building. I was delighted that we were allocated $25 million to build an Early Parenting Centre in our latest budget. This will mean so much to families who need this service in their children’s rst few weeks and months. New parents will no longer have to travel to Melbourne to access early parenting care, which will allow them to settle at home with their families and receive the best care for their growing families. We will be watching closely to ensure the new centre is developed in a way that suits the particular needs of our community.

ConnectGV has provided a wonderful service to Goulburn Valley residents for decades. This new building will help the organisation continue its important work in our community into the future.

Event co-ordinator Jill Maude, ambassador Vicki Scott, GV Health Foundation director Claire Ewart-Kennedy and Graham Hill Eyecare director Mark DePaola.

The expo, by Graham Hill Eyecare in Shepparton, will feature more than 500 pairs of sunglasses from high-end brands to everyday wear, raising money for the Peter Copulos Cancer and Wellness Centre through the Goulburn Valley Health Foundation.

Graham Hill Eyecare director Mark DePaola was motivated to organise an event under the Pink Ribbon banner after the Biggest Blokes Lunch in August.

The annual Pink Ribbon event in Shepparton has been on hold due to COVID-19 and the GV Health Foundation hopes to take the event on from 2023.

“In the meantime we’re excited to do our part to keep the event going and make sure as an organisation we show our appreciation to GV Health and the Peter Copulos Centre,” Mark said.

“Like hundreds of others, our family has had fi rst-hand experience of discovering how valuable it is to have a local treatment facility with the associated care and professionalism of the people there.

“We’re hoping to bring some joy into springtime with some fl air and fashion — and utilise that energy for a great cause.”

Vicki bought her very fi rst pair of glasses at Graham Hill Eyecare when she was 15 and has been a customer ever since.

“When [Mark] reached out and talked about doing something where the funds would go back to the Peter Copulos Centre, I was extremely supportive of that,” she said.

“I would feel quite lost without having that centre here in our community, so I’m more than happy to be supporting the initiative to promote what a great facility we have in our own backyard.”

Everything to date has been successful for Vicki, with further chemotherapy this year before ongoing monitoring, with an important fi ve years ahead.

Age is the biggest risk factor for bowel cancer, which is why even healthy people with no symptoms are sent a screening test between the ages of 50 and 74.

Vicki was only a few weeks off her 50th birthday when she noticed something wasn’t normal.

She said there shouldn’t be any stigma around getting any-

thing out of the ordinary investigated and encouraged people do so if they notice something isn’t right. Every dollar spent on sunglasses during the expo will be donated to support the Peter Copulos Cancer and Wellness Centre. Director Claire Ewart-Kennedy said the Goulburn Valley Health Foundation was grateful to have strong community ambassadors such as Graham Hill Eyecare. “Monies raised directly benefi t our community and support the important work GV Health is doing to ensure residents of our region receive the best possible care,” she said. “It is testament to the generosity and passion in our community that businesses and individuals are always prepared to stand up and do what they can to maximise the fundraising opportunities.” The sunglasses expo is being held at Graham Hill Eyecare at 98 Maude St, Shepparton on Thursday, October 27 from 10am to 7pm. “Like hundreds of others, our family has had fi rst-hand experience of discovering how valuable it is to have a local treatment facility with the associated care and professionalism of the people there.” – MARK DEPAOLA There will be a 20 per cent discount on sunglasses with national representatives from Gucci, YSL, Oroton, Tom Ford, Le Specs and Guess on hand to showcase their range. The event will feature products Mark said wouldn’t make it outside of Melbourne otherwise. A coffee van will be onsite with bubbles from 5pm, and while there is a focus on women’s fashion, everyone is welcome. People who require prescription sunglasses are encouraged to book an appointment prior to the event so their prescription is ready.

The GV Health Foundation is currently looking at a schedule of fundraising events and partnerships, so anyone whose business may be able to assist or has any ideas is asked to contact Claire at claire.ewart-kennedy@gvhealth. org.au or go to the Facebook page.

To bling or not to bling

HEADED TO THE RACES OR OUT ON THE TOWN AND NOT SURE HOW TO ELEVATE YOUR OUTFIT TO THE NEXT LEVEL? STEPHENS JEWELLERS HAS GOT YOU COVERED.

WHETHER YOU LOVE A BIT OF BLING OR PREFER A MORE SIMPLE LOOK, WE’VE FOUND A FEW OPTIONS TO CHOOSE FROM.

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1. Tommy Hilfi ger Designer Ladies dress watch, $329. 2. October Pink Tourmaline and Diamond ring, $499. 3. November Citrine and Diamond ring, $349.4. Calvin Klein Designer Ladies dress watch, $299. 5. 9ct Rose Gold Edison Pink Pearl Dress Ring, $1399. 6. 9ct Rose Gold fi nished Edison Pink Hues Pearl Bracelet, $1699. 7. Von Treskow 2 tone Sterling Silver Three Pence ring, from $160. 8. Von Treskow Sterling Silver Big Mama Bracelet with Coin Drop, $870. All jewellery availble from Stephens Jewellers. Cue Cobalt blue pleated midi dress, $395 and Morgan and Taylor white and black Beyonce boater hat, $89.95, available from Traffi k Boutique.