Naomi Brugger and Kate Davis will be part of Stewie’s Green Team during Griffith Relay for Life this year in memory of Kate’s husband Stewart (inset), who passed away last September.
THERE is no good cancer.
Despite what many well-meaning people told them, Kate Davis and daughters Dana, 17, Isobelle, 13, Tamsin, 8, and Rosie, 5, found that out the hard way.
Their lives were shattered when loving husband and devoted dad Stewart died from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma last September at the age of 42.
"We had so many people say that non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is the best type of cancer to get, but it's a huge misconception. There is no good cancer," Mrs Davis said.
"He'd been unwell for about 12 months and then just before Christmas in 2010 he was diagnosed with it. It's a very, very painful disease. He fought back so many times and was keen to do relay again this year."
Stewie's Green Team will take part in this year's Griffith Relay for Life to raise awareness and dispel some common misconceptions.
"He participated in the last Relay for Life. He had just had chemo and it was terrible weather, but he was determined to do it. He refused to go home. He was a very strong-willed man," Mrs Davis said.
"We chose the colour green because non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is lime green on the cancer chart."
Mrs Davis said she was happy to support Griffith Relay for Life, which will take place at the Exies Oval on March 23 and 24, raising funds for the Cancer Council.
"This is for Stew. He wanted to do this. The Cancer Council don't just raise money for research. They also help with resources. The only websites people should look at is the Cancer Council because they are the most up-to-date," she said.
"When Stew was in ICU in Sydney accommodation was really sought after by country people so I had to stay in a motel a lot. I had 18 months of travelling back and forth and the Cancer Council was among those who helped us.
"Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is the fifth most common cancer and they can't figure out what causes it.
"We are all passionate about doing Relay for Life. We are going to live life, that's what Stew wanted us to do."
If you need information about non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma call the hotline on 1800 359 081 or go to www.lymphoma.org.au.