FIGHTING ON: Tayah, 4, and Milly Aitken, 2, with mum Rani have joined this year’s Griffith Relay For Life. Their team is named Carol’s Crusaders in a fitting tribute to inspirational mum and grandmother Carol Piva. Picture: Anthony Stipo
CAROL Piva was a strong, determined woman who fought right to the very end.
When she passed away two months after being diagnosed with cancer in June 2011, her daughter Rani Aitken was devastated.
Mrs Aitken has joined this year's Griffith Relay for Life, registering the team Carol's Crusaders in her mum's honour.
"My mum was an inspirational woman," she said.
"She was a single mum. It was just mum and me. I lost a big chunk of my life when she died.
"I haven't been the same since. It has been hard, but she never gave up.
"I called the team Carol's Crusaders so we can continue to fight for a cure."
Mrs Aitken is urging other members of the community to get behind the event, which will take place at the Griffith Exies Oval on March 23 and 24.
"I am finding being involved in this event really therapeutic. I put the call out to family and friends to join me and the response has been wonderful," she said.
"Mum's face is on our fundraising buckets that we've placed around town, with an explanation about mum on them.
"Her name gets mentioned every day and she is not being forgotten. She was a fantastic grandmother to my two girls, this is a way for us to talk about her and remind them what a wonderful woman she was."
As part of their fundraising efforts Carol's Crusaders held a successful cupcake stall last week, where they raised $360. Plans are already underway for more stalls in the lead up to the event.
Enquires about the Griffith Relay for Life can be made by visiting www.relayforlife.org.au or by phoning Judy Sartor 0409 392852 or Denise Hearn 0438 630251.
