Young woman and bowel cancer survivor Leeanne Trantino (pictured) said a cancer-free future would be wonderful.
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Today is Daffodil Day, Cancer Council’s national day for Australians to show they care about beating cancer and raise vital funds for cancer research and prevention programs.
For Leeanne, today is an initiative she holds close to her heart.
The 42-year-old is nearly three years in remission after being diagnosed with rectal cancer when she was just 38.
She discovered the cancer - a tumour the size of a large lemon or small orange that was blocking her bowel passage - when she noticed a change in her bowel habits.
“It was scary,” Leeanne said.
“It wasn’t even on my radar… I don’t have a family history of bowel cancer.”
Leeanne spent six weeks in Lilier Lodge in Wagga - a CanAssist and Cancer Council accommodation centre - undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment to shrink the tumour before having it removed.
She had surgery in Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital 12 months later, followed by six additional months of chemo in Young District Hospital’s oncology unit.
“They were great up there, it meant no more travelling… [and] Cancer Council were a wonderful support during mine and my family’s journey,” Leeanne said.
The mother of two has been a strong support of Cancer Council initiatives ever since, actively taking part in Daffodil Days and Relay For Life.
Leeanne said it was important to support days like this.
“Many people are touched by cancer in some way or form,” she said.
Cancer Council is an organisation dedicated to supporting people that have cancer and providing their families with information and knowledge about your condition, support services and funding to find a cure, more importantly.”
In the Murrumbidgee region alone, it is predicted that 1702 people will be diagnosed with cancer and 568 people will die from the disease by 2016.
People can show their support by purchasing small merchandise at local newsagents or visit the Cancer Council stall outside Westpac Bank (weather permitting) or somewhere in Boorowa Street, where they will be selling a variety of items including daffodils.
