Joany Badenhorst and Denise Hearn will be this year’s guest speakers for The Area News’ International Women’s Day luncheon next month. Picture: Anthony Stipo
THEY are two very different women, with one big thing in common.
Denise Hearn and Joany Bandenhorst know exactly what it's like to be dealt a blow yet get up fighting.
Mrs Hearn is a mother-of-two and cancer survivor, while Miss Badenhorst is an out-going teen who had her leg ripped off just below the knee in a horrific farming accident.
They will share their amazing stories during this year's International Women's Day luncheon at the Ex-Servicemen's Club on Wednesday, March 13.
Despite being given a poor prognosis when she was diagnosed with stomach cancer 17 years ago, Mrs Hearn has gone on to become one of Griffith's greatest Relay for Life advocates.
"I've learnt that you have to get on with life and always remember there are those who are worse off," Mrs Hearn said.
"I hope that I've been able to give something back. Awareness is a big thing for me. It's kind of turned me into a bit of an advocate without even realising it. All of my family and friends even get behind Relay for Life now."
Eighteen-year-old Miss Badenhorst, finished her HSC last year and is taking a gap year before studying medicine at university. She is just as keen to share her life's journey so far.
"I'll talk about what happened to me seven years ago in South Africa, some of the struggles I've had since and what kept me going," she said.
"I'm always happy to let others hear my story because I think it's something people need to hear.
"Sometimes people don't realise how good they have it. If I can, I'll remind them."
The Area News International Women's Day luncheon will also be a chance for locals to celebrate their favourite Griffith women.
To nominate worthy winners in the three categories, most admired community advocate, most admired business woman and young achiever, simply fill out the form that appears in The Area News and return it to PO Box 1004, Griffith by Monday, March 11.