In memory of Christian...I write this post with a heavy heart and in memory of a little boy named Christian, who this morning lost his battle with brain cancer. Christian is the 6 year old nephew of two of our best friends. My husband has known his extended family for many years. He was only diagnosed last November and since then, he has endured brain surgery by the renowned Dr Tao (who operated when nobody else would) and daily radiation therapy for many weeks. Unfortunately, these treatments and many prayers were not enough to help him. I have had these photos for a while. His aunty sent them to me. They were taken at the Children's Hospital on the day he met Kylie Minogue and players from the South Sydney Rabbitohs (rugby league team)...
I can only begin to imagine his parent's pain and that of his brothers and extended family. May he rest in peace.
Cancer seems so prevalent these days. It's heartbreaking. And it appears so random. As a community, we have to help find the causes and a cure for this awful disease in all its forms. Most of us can't be in lab coats, analysing and studying...but we can all help fund the people that are doing this important work. Breakthroughs are being made all the time...we just have to keep believing. I urge you all to donate even a small amount when an opportunity arises for you to do so...every little bit helps. Some worthy organisations are listed below.
Care for those with cancer and support for them and their families is just as important as finding a cure. Earlier this year, my sister and I raised funds through a trivia night for the Starlight Children's Foundation. This is a great organisation that helps to lift the spirits of very ill children and their families. A very worthy cause.
Another worthy organisation is Bear Cottage which provides palliative care, temporary respite, end of life care, and bereavement support. Basically, it is a place where children with terminal illnesses and their families can stay from time to time and receive rest and medical care in a home-like environment. My friend Ramona is putting herself on the line and running the Sydney City2Surf to raise funds for Bear Cottage. She is racing as part of "Team Max Grubisic". Max is another little boy who has so far defied doctors and continued to battle a brain tumor. Ramona and her team need sponsors now, so please open your hearts and donate even a tiny amount to this great cause! The link for donations is: http://city2surf.everydayhero.com.au/Angela_Grubisic
Another good friend of mine, battled and beat breast cancer earlier this year. Having lost a breast and endured chemotherapy, with a young family to look after, she knows only too well the importance of breast care nurses. This brings me to the McGrath Foundation, another wonderful organisation raising awareness and funds in this important area. It's founder, Jane McGrath, wife of international Australian cricketer Glenn McGrath, heartbreakingly lost her own battle with breast, hip and brain cancers late last month, leaving behind two very young children.
Incidentally, I hope to join the friend mentioned above in Relay for Life, another event raising funds for the Australian Cancer Council. More about that in coming months!
I don't want this post to be a lecture, however I hope that in this small way, I can encourage everyone to make donations when they can to organisations like those mentioned above. We can't keep losing those we love.
Finally, don't forget to count your blessings. In the chaos of life, don't forget to stop and be thankful for good health. We don't realise how precious it really is.
Here we are with the little lady of the moment...
A rare family photo...we're getting better! Maybe one day my boys will actually keep still and pose! 
May this little angel fly high and watch over his family and friends forever...
