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“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take….
But by the moments that take our breaths away”
The Collarenebri Charity Bike Ride for Cancer will take your breath away!
A 100kms team event filled with fun, food and friendship, surrounded by people of all ages joined together to honour cancer survivors and remembers loved ones who have lost their battle. Are you up to it??
Hi I am Kelly Smith and I have taken an amazing journey over the last year after being diagnosed with Lung Cancer and this is my story
I live a town called Collarenebri, which is in Far North West of New South Wales. We have a population of around 500, depending on the season and the work available.
Over the last decade we have been affected by both floods and droughts. In 2000 we had a large flood, which cut the town off for at least a week. In 2001 it was declared that the town and the surrounding districts of Collarenebri were in drought. 6 years later we are still in a severe drought.
I am a retired Shearer and I live on a property in Collarenebri. After a minor accident I went to the Collarenebri Health Service. I was flown out of Collarenebri Health Service by the Royal Flying Doctors. Upon investigation at Dubbo Base Hospital I had the fright of my life, it was Cancer. Ironically it was my wife’s birthday, 1st August.
Here I was under 50 with my entire life before me, with a beautiful family with four children and six young grandchildren, how could this disease affect me!
I was admitted to Dubbo base where the doctors performed a biopsy to see if the cancer was operable. I went home not knowing, waiting to see what cells I had. Whether I was going to live or die, see my grandchildren grow up.
14 long day’s later, good news, I had BIG cells and it was operable. Our family Dr Jolmer Smit was my strength and inspiration and I knew that I was going to beat this thing. I was positive; I had too much to live for, too many memories to make with my family and friends.
Dr Vee the Oncologist Registrar from Sydney was visiting Dubbo Base at the time was very encouraging, telling me time and time again that we were going to beat this thing. I was referred from Dubbo to Professor Brian McCaughan and Professor Michael Boyer at the RPA Hospital in Sydney, two of the best.
My family and I traveled to Sydney and stayed at Camperdown in a family unit waiting to see Professor McCaughan to find out the prognosis. Professor McCaughan words were ‘I can operate next week and remove the tumour, if I don’t operate you will not live longer than 12 months’. I had a PETSCAN at the RPA and all except for the top left lobe of the lung, I was cancer free. Relief!
On the 28th August I was admitted to the Strathfield Private Hospital, I was operated on the 29th August where my left lung was to be removed. Thankfully my clever surgeons only needed to remove the top left lobe. Whilst recovering Professor Boyer advised me to undergo chemo because of my age and health. The operation was successful but he assured me that chemotherapy would be that extra insurance.
Professor Boyer and Dr Phillip Beal make the journey to Dubbo Base Oncology Unit every month so it was decided that I was to have 8 sessions of chemo over 3 months.
The first chemotherapy session left me weakened, and worried. However I had hope, and wonder, and a sense of humor that often bubbles just below the surface. I can tell you that part of this hope is fueled by my own optimism and my determination to persevere -- and part has come about by the support of my family and friends.
While sitting in the chair in the oncology unit with the world on my shoulder, I had time to think, I set a goal that once I was through this I would ride from Mungindi to Collarenebri. After undergoing treatment I began to appreciate the work that the staff have done to help me and other cancer suffers overcome this disease, to lead a happy and healthy life. I would like to contribute my time and effort to help them do the very best job that they can, by not only reactively managing cancer with current technologies but proactively conducting research in pursuit of better treatment or maybe a cure.
I brought a bicycle on the last day of my chemo and decided that I would do the ride; I will build up my strength riding my bike, rope my mates in and be fit enough to ride the 100kms. Appreciate my second chance at life.
As with so many of our friends, we find ourselves facing the unfortunate diagnosis of cancer for one of our family members. When I was told that I was in remission I knew that I had to commemorate this important mile stone. This is when I remember what I had told myself while undergoing chemo.
Cancer touches so many people in our community and the Collarenebri Charity Bike Ride for Cancer is a great way to help fight this terrible disease, while taking in the amazing scenery of the North West NSW. Each little step adds to the steps others have taken.
The combination of a bike ride and cancer support is a unique one. No one has ridden the Mungindi Road on a pushbike before. It will be a grueling, tiresome and endurance based feat. So too is the feat to raise funds. This indicates how strong I feel about cancer and the affects it has on everyone.
As you can now understand why this is so important to me you will understand why I’m asking for your financial support. The riding is easy for me. Asking for dollars is not. But if we are going to find answers to incredibly difficult problems like cancer, I know I have to ask.
Fundraising is not an easy task and so to reach my goal I am seeking support from everyone, I would like to hold an auction after the bike ride using the donated goods or services and I am hoping you might be able to help provide.
Your contribution could be recognised on promotion material and any media releases that will be released after the event.
The drought is always going to be on the minds of the people in this district. If for the day of this bike ride I can give the folks something else to think about, an event to be proud of, a cause that affects us all. Than this is all worth it.
All the money raised is going towards the Royal Flying Doctors as they are the main source of transfers from Collarenebri, Cancer Council to help find a cure and Can-Assist who provide assistance and accommodation for rural cancer patients and their families.
I am proud to be part of this worthwhile endeavour and to be striving towards such great goals. If you would like to know more about this event please phone either myself on 0427459736 my wife Carol on 0267562104 or Sharon on 0267564888.
I hope you’ll agree with me that this cause is worth your support. Thank you in advance for your support. Together we can make a difference! Remember…there’s no finish line until a cure is found.
Yours in Training and Remission
Kelly Smith | 