Nambucca Heads breast cancer survivor treks for research funding Nambucca Valley Nambucca Valley - popup ad by News Of The Area - Modern Media - March 16, 2024March 16, 2024 Leslie Fotakis in training, high upon a mountain. TWO weeks before moving to Nambucca Heads, local Anglican Priest Leslie Fotakis (Ladlow) was diagnosed with breast cancer. Three weeks after her arrival, she had a double mastectomy. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au Thankfully, the procedure resulted in the complete elimination of her cancer, without the need for chemotherapy or radiation. Aware she was one of the lucky ones, Leslie has since turned her attention to fundraising for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). Last year Leslie raised over $1300 for the McGrath Foundation by making a pink quilt which is now being raffled by the local cancer network at Macksville Hospital. Through the breast cancer network she discovered the Tuscany Trekking Challenge, a 100 kilometre (km) walk to help raise money for game-changing breast cancer research. To qualify for the opportunity, each participant needs to raise $3500 towards the NBCF. To achieve this goal, Leslie is holding a fundraising ‘Walkathon’ next Saturday. “To raise the funds I decided to hold my walkathon, which will be on Saturday 23 March, walking from Gordon Park, Nambucca Heads at 7am, then on to Macksville Anglican Church (approximately fifteen km), with a scheduled arrival at 10am. “We will conclude with a lovely ‘Pink’ morning tea.” Leslie invites everyone to join her on the walk, either the whole length or a portion, and encourages all participants to seek sponsorship. A colour well-known as a symbol for breast cancer, Leslie’s fundraising is decidedly pink themed. “When I received my diagnosis, I decided that if this was the path I was going to take, it would become my latest adventure…a pink adventure! “My wardrobe has turned pink, as have many other areas of my life.” Many Nambucca Valley residents share the traumas of the breast cancer journey, and thankfully receive support through local McGrath Breast Health Nurses; registered nurses with specialist training who provide information, care, counselling and invaluable monthly meetings. Donations can be made directly to the NBCF, visit www.nbcf.org.au. All donations are tax deductible. Contact Leslie Fotakis for more information on 0428 441 472. By Jen HETHERINGTON Leslie leading worship in pink. The quilt under construction, now being raffled by the local cancer network at Macksville Hospital.
