By Matthew Sims
The Berwick community has come together to break through the fundraising goal of $20,000 in support of local Kirsty Ring’s Biggest Morning Tea event.
More than 90 people attended the event on Saturday 6 May in honour of her sister Jodie Pitkin, who died last April after a long battle with cancer.
The event also honoured her father, who died in January 2013 after a nine-month battle with melanoma and other loved ones lost to cancer.
Kirsty said she decided to start hosting a Biggest Morning Tea five years ago after seeing the success of Jodie’s daughter Ella’s fundraising efforts at her school.
Diagnosed in June 2015 with bowel cancer, Jodie tried a variety of treatments from the conventional Western treatment pathways to other Eastern treatments, which eventually cleared her of bowel cancer.
However, cancer was then discovered in her liver and lungs and she became severely ill.
Kirsty said by that time, Jodie had decided she was not strong enough to keep fighting and wanted to use the time she had left enjoying life with her children Jai and Ella and her husband Russell, going on a trip to the Northern Territory.
The cancer continued to spread and eventually reached her spine.
Kirsty said she regained strength after a stay in hospital in late 2021.
“She got a new lease of life during Christmas,” she said.
As of February last year, she had lost the use of her legs and had to use a wheelchair.
“In the end, it was quick,” she said.
“She had fought a very good fight.”
Kirsty said Jodie never let the worries of her illness or life get in the way of making positive memories with her loved ones.
“She made the most of life,” she said.
Kirsty said the family’s loss had brought them even closer together.
“We had and still have amazing support,” she said.
Kirsty said seeing Jodie’s husband Russell take care of her during her final days was touching.
“The compassion that he showed her, I’ve never seen anything like it,” she said.
Kirsty said she had a new understanding of her own journey through life after the loss of her sister, including on her decision to not have children.
“It was my job to look after her kids,” she said.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea event has raised more than $200 million for cancer research and support.
Cancer Council Victoria fundraising head Lyrian Fleming-Parsley said it has been “amazing” to see the event grow over the years.
“One in two Australians will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85,” she said.
“By making a cuppa during an Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, you’re helping to support life-saving research, prevention, screening and treatment programs.
“We urge all Victorians to join the birthday celebrations and host a morning tea, and make yourself a cuppa for a cancer-free future this May or June.”
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea also helps fund Cancer Council’s vital 13 11 20 Information and Support Line, accommodation, counselling, and peer support programs helping people living with cancer every day.
To donate to Kirsty’s cause, visit www.biggestmorningtea.com.au/fundraisers/KirstyRing.
