Sport
17 July, 2019
Face of Tablelands Relay For Life announced
Tablelands local Wendy Paronella was a young, happy and newly engaged 18-year-old when she received news that changed her life - she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Tablelands local Wendy Paronella was a young, happy and newly engaged 18-year-old when she received news that changed her life - she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Fast forward 40 years and Mrs Paronella is now cancer free and a proud mother of three and grandmother of nine, despite having one ovary completely removed and the other partially removed after her diagnoses.
Mrs Paronella has been named Face of the 2019 Tablelands Relay For Life, to be held on October 19 at Atherton Showgrounds, in honour of her cancer experience, resilience and dedication to raising awareness.
The Face of Relay is a symbol of hope for locals affected by cancer and hope for a cancer free future.
Mrs Paronella encouraged others to get to know their body and get in touch with their GP if they notice any changes.
“I encourage others to take notice of any abnormal physical features and to just be more aware of how you are feeling,” she said.
Mrs Paronella encouraged locals to get involved in this year's Relay For Life to help raise vital funds for Cancer Council Queensland’s research, support and prevention services.
“Fundraising is essential in ensuring we support people going through their cancer journeys,” she said.
As Face of Relay, Wendy will lead other survivors and their carers on a lap to officially open Tablelands Relay For Life.
Cancer Council Queensland CEO Chris McMillian thanked Mrs Paronella and the Tablelands community for supporting this year's Relay For Life.
“Wendy is passionate about raising awareness and reaching out to support locals who are affected by cancer – that is what Relay For Life is all about,” Ms McMillan said.
“By joining Wendy at Tablelands Relay For Life, you will give hope to all locals affected by cancer and help us get one step closer to a cancer free future.
“Relay is an event for anyone, no matter their age or ability, who is inspired to fight back against cancer and make a difference in their local community.
“Together, we are stronger than cancer – register for Tablelands Relay For Life today.”
Relay For Life is a community fundraising initiative for Cancer Council Queensland, where teams fund raise in the lead-up to the event. Teams then take turns walking around the track to signify that cancer never sleeps, so neither do we.
To register a team, volunteer, or find out more, visit www.relayforlife.org.au or call 1300 65 65 85.
More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available via www.cancerqld.org.au or 13 11 20.
