There was no place for self-pity when Vanessa Denham was told she had breast cancer.
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The housewife and mother simply got on with the business of getting better.
A year after diagnosis, operation, chemotherapy and radiation, the former Brisbane resident is on top of life and back in the workforce.
"I am one of the lucky ones, so I have to smile; there is no place for self-pity,” Mrs Denham, 50, said on Saturday during a short tea break of the Relay for Life Walk at the rugby grounds.
“Yes, I was numb when given the news,’’ she said.
‘‘There was disbelief, but all that, happily, is history.”
Mrs Denham was quick to praise her family, her carers and hospital staff at the Mount Isa and Townsville hospitals for their “absolute professionalism and care”.
She also had a simple message for us all.
“Get a check-up, it might save your life,” she said.
The 18-hour relay, which ended at 9am yesterday attracted visitors from Cloncurry, those undergoing treatment, those in remission and those who had tamed the dreaded illness.
Playing key supporting roles were carers, friends, family and, predictably, the army of helpers.
The catchcry ‘‘Hope Lives’’ adorned shirts and all manner of paraphernalia at Rugby Park.
And hope just jumped out at you.
It was well and truly alive as the human spirit triumphed over adversity.
