CANCER does not discriminate. It knows no limits.
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So it was not surprising D&R Community Services’ Mount Isa branch at the old Lorna Johnson home, in Lucy St, last Friday flicked on the kettle on and broke out the baked goods, so its clients could enjoy a cuppa and a chat about something that affects most people.
Assistant co-ordinator Sonja Clark said the group organises regular weekly activities for its aged and disabled clients, such as arts and crafts and outings, so this event was a hybrid of Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, where millions of people nationwide gather to raise funds for cancer research, prevention, education and support services, and its regular gatherings.
It was also extra special with appearances from local heroes Jacqui Bakhash and Sharon Sellings, who have become minor celebrities after their star turn on cooking game show My Kitchen Rules and reminded the country of a town called Isa.
Mrs Sellings said since the show ended, it seemed “everyone wanted a piece of them” and they are often stopped in the street or shops to be greeted by well-wishers.
“It has become busier, and there is less cooking now,” she told the North West Star.
Morning tea is often associated with plates of sweets treats and the D&R clients enjoyed a buffet laden with goodies, such as cupcakes, cookies and healthy snacks, while partaking in entertainments like bingo.
With 110,000 new cases of the Big C being diagnosed a year in the nation and more than 7000 dying from of the disease, it touches everyone in some way with every other Australian by the age of 85 having to face it.
Since it began in 1994, the event has garnered millions for the Cancer Council Queensland, and last year hosts in the northern part of the state raised $159,000.
In the past two decades, the five-year relative survival rate for all cancers in Queensland rose to almost 70 per cent from 60 with better research, detection, education and improvements in therapies.
Last Thursday was the official tea-party date, but gatherings can be held still be held.
The next major Cancer Council event is Pink Ribbon Day later in the year to raise awareness of breast cancer.