Survivor to host night in with the girls
Alana McMullen, 35, is steadfast in her fight against cancer, after her own battle with cervical cancer and her husband’s ongoing battle with bowel cancer.
Ms McMullen has been fundraising this month in support of Cancer Council Queensland by hosting a Girls Night In at Kokonut Willies restaurant at Labrabor’s Grand Hotel on Saturday October 30.
“Since being diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2006 when I was aged 31, I am really passionate about fundraising for the work of Cancer Council Queensland,” she said.
“I had my last operation in October 2008 and have been cancer free since then.
“In March last year, not long after I beat my cancer, my husband Tom was diagnosed with bowel cancer.
“Our eight year old daughter Baylee is so strong and is now a little fundraising extraordinaire.
“Baylee came to an Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea with me this year and she often comes with me when I am fundraising for Cancer Council Queensland.
“The theme for this year’s Girls Night In is Style Me Famous, I want to see everyone dressed as their favourite movie character, television character or celebrity.
“This is my second Girls Night In, last year I raised $5,000 and I hope to double that this year and raise $10,000.
“We will have raffles, food, games and prizes for the best dressed,” Ms McMullen said.
Tickets cost $40 and can be purchased on the Girl Night In website at www.girlsnightin.com.au/ or at the door.
“For those who want to purchase tickets at the door, please still RSVP as soon as possible for catering purposes,” McMullen said.
Fundraising Co-ordinator at Cancer Council Queensland, Shannan Walker said the efforts of people like Alana McMullen are what make Girls Night In a success.
“I commend Alana’s efforts she is such a strong person and so willing to support others who are also battling against cancer, I urge everyone to go along and enjoy the fun on the night,” she said.
This year, more than 800 Queensland women will be diagnosed with a gynecological cancer.
“In 2010 Cancer Council Queensland aims to raise over $1 million through Girl Night In, which helps support cancer research, patient support services and education programs,” Ms Walker said.
To register for Girls Night In, visit www.girlsnightin.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85.
Kokonut Willies is located at the Grand Hotel, 360 Marine Parade, Labrador.
To RSVP please call Alana McMullen on 0401 119 893.
For more information, please contact:
Alana McMullen
Ph: 0401 119 893 OR
Shannan Walker, Regional Fundraising Co-ordinator, Cancer Council Queensland
Ph: (07) 5503 3706 or 0418 717 586
Locals invited to frock-up for cancer charity girls night
If you’re looking for an excuse to dress-up, Hollywood glamour-style, then a girls-only event, held just around the corner from home with lots of opportunities for a catch up with your friends, or simply dance the night away, should tick all the boxes!
If this sounds like you, then book your tickets now, for the Sugar and Spice Girls Night In, which will be held at Waterford State School Hall on Saturday October 9.
Local Girls Night In supporters, Kerrie Garlick of Forestdale and Melanie Ellis of Greenbank are hosting their 4th Girls Night In, not just to provide a fun night for the community, but to also raise awareness of women’s cancers and support Cancer Council Queensland.
“We are both working mothers, each with three young boys, juggling work, homework, sporting commitments and the housework. Our lives never seem to stop, however we can’t imagine having all of this plus battling cancer,” Mrs Garlick said.
“We both feel very blessed to have healthy families and Girls Night In is the perfect opportunity for us to give back and help Cancer Council Queensland raise much needed funds.
“This year is our 4th Girls Night In, and we are now at the stage where family and friends are always asking us ‘what next?’. We theme our Girls Night In events differently each year, to make each event new and keep up the interest of the guests and keep them wanting to come back each year.
“Our aim is always to get a little bigger and a little better than the previous year and to raise as much money as we can for Cancer Council Queensland.
“My aunt, who is like my second mother, was diagnosed with breast cancer ten years ago this month.
“She has radical surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment, and we are blessed to have her here with us today!
“I have had a suspected melanoma removed recently and am so grateful I followed the Cancer Council’s recommendations for annual skin checks because this means it has been caught early and the outcome is much more likely to be positive for me.
“Melanie has also been affected by cancer, her cousin was diagnosed with cancer and is thankfully now in remission. Her husband’s nanna is currently fighting cancer at the moment, so this year’s Girls Night In will take on a different meaning for us this year.
“Cancer Council Queensland does not receive any government funding, so Melanie and I feel it is up to us as a community to give our time and effort to help those battling against cancer,” she said.
The Sugar and Spice Girls Night In starts from 6pm on Saturday October 9. Tickets cost $30 per person, which includes hors d'oeuvres, refreshments on arrival and a donation to Cancer Council Queensland.
The Girls Night In will be held at Waterford State School Hall, Nerang Street, Waterford.
Tickets must be pre-booked by contacting Kerrie Garlick on bkgarlick@internode.on.net or Melanie Ellis on mg_ellis1@optusnet.com.au.
For more information, please contact: Kerrie Garlick at bkgarlick@internode.on.net
Survivor gets the girls together to celebrate
Twelve months ago, Ipswich local Monica Lebeter had just finished treatment for breast cancer when she hosted her first Girls Night In in support of Cancer Council Queensland.
This October, one year since finishing treatment, Monica is lining up again to host her Girls Night In event and is calling on locals to join her as she raises money to support the fight against women’s cancer.
Girls Night In events are held across Australia during October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month) and women donate what they would spend on a night out in support of the fight against women’s cancer.
Mrs Lebeter said Girls Night In was a very special event for her and her friends.
“After I had finished my treatment I wanted to celebrate at home with my family, some girlfriends and their daughters. But my girlfriends, who had been by my side since I was diagnosed, told me we had to go out and celebrate, so we decided to host a Girls Night In at Marburg and we ended up with 65 people coming along, it was fabulous.
“When you’re diagnosed with cancer, you realise just how many women in our community that have battled or are battling cancer. They’re mums, sisters, daughters and friends – it affects everyone. Throughout my journey I have kept a positive attitude to life, focusing on all the good things and am thankful for all the love and support given to me by my family and friends.
“Girls Night In is such an empowering event and it’s the perfect excuse to get together with friends for a good night and a good cause.
“This year we’re hosting a Band, Bus and Boobeque at Warrego and I would encourage everyone to come along and bring their partners to join in the fun as well,” she said.
Cancer Council Queensland Fundraising Co-ordinator Kristen Bastian said breast cancer was the most common cancer diagnosed in Queensland.
“This year, 2,480 Queensland women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
“Girls Night In is a fun way to fundraise for research into women’s cancers and is a great opportunity to remind women of the importance of early detection and cancer screening programs, like having a regular Pap smear,” she said.
Money raised through Girls Night In supports Cancer Council Queensland’s vital research, education program and patient support programs.
Members of the public can purchase tickets for $40 per person before October 24 on 0419 651 855 or rainwood@optusnet.com.au
To register as a host or to donate, visit www.girlsnightin.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85.
Joan Gauci
The quotes below share Joan's experiences of her cancer diagnosis, the importance of family and friends and the opportunity to fundraise for the Cancer Council.
"As soon as the specialist saw my test results, she knew straight away. I had breast cancer.
Watching what my mum went through with her breast cancer prepared me in a way. I wasn’t shocked, I wasn’t surprised. There was something in the back of my mind that told me, be prepared because it’s coming.
Knowing that it’s genetic, you do think: ‘Does it really happen? Can that really possibly be happening to so many of us?’
I fundraise so eventually one day there will be a cure - for my children and their children. That’s all I want.
My whole year is based around Girls Night In. It means everything to me – it’s my life. Us girls get together to discuss what we’ve planned for the night and have a laugh - I love it.
I’m giving something back to the community. To see everyone so happy and having fun on a crowded dance floor, I feel so proud. I think, “Oh my God did we do all this?”
My first Girls Night In started off in my garage in 2007. All I asked was for was a small donation to Cancer Council. I raised $500 and I was so excited! It’s grown so much that this year we are aiming for $25,000.
It’s a great opportunity to get dressed up and have some fun. Everything we get is donated and this year we’ve got a trip to Vegas with airfare, TV’s for prizes, drag queens, Elvis impersonators and a free DJ. We sell out every year!
I keep doing Girls Night In for my mum. After our first event in 2007, she lost her battle with breast cancer. Before she passed away she said, “don’t forget, you still have to do Girls Night In.” I’ve stuck to my word and I’m still doing it for her.
It’s empowering, I have to keep doing it.
It’s a blast for every woman to do. Put your heart into it and start off small, whatever you can do is a help to Cancer Council."