ONE special dress deepened the bond between two friends, and many more dresses will raise money to find a cure for the disease that separated them.
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Mount Isa woman Jennifer Williamson lost her battle with leukaemia on January 9, leaving friends and family devastated.
One friend made a vow to raise money and awareness in honour of Jennifer, and has combined her love of sewing with her World's Greatest Shave campaign.
Jodi Brown met Jennifer when they were in the Mount Isa Hospital's maternity ward.
They were both having their first children, and were both excited.
A strong friendship was formed since that day in 2004, and continued after Mrs Brown moved to Darwin, and continued throughout Jennifer's illness.
Mrs Brown was determined to find a way to help her friend, and used her love of sewing to make her a new dress.
``She loved it but said she did not want to wear it in the hospital as she might wreck it,'' she said.
``Determined to help make her feel beautiful I found a hospital gown pattern and set about making her a pretty one.
``She loved it.'' Jennifer asked Mrs Brown if she would make her another gown to wear as her battle wore on.
Mrs Brown began making the gown, but got side tracked during the busy Christmas period.
She finished the gown and posted it to Jennifer, reaching her just days before she died.
Recently, Mrs Brown decided to take part in this year's World's Greatest Shave, to help find a cure for the disease that claimed the life of her friend.
Mrs Brown said incorporating the dresses was such a fitting tribute to Jennifer.
``It has worked out really well so far, I have received donations of fabric and money to put towards supplies,'' she said.
Each dress will carry the label `For Jen'.
To sponsor Mrs Brown by ordering a dress, or to make a donation to her Shave for a Cure fund, visit www.facebook.com/JodisJamiesForJen