“I have to hope for the best because you can’t control the rest.”
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A cancer diagnosis is not something anyone wishes for but it became a reality for Bron Watson and her family when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“There is nothing more confronting than needing to sit your five children down and tell them you have breast cancer,” Bron said.
“You want nothing more to tell them that it is all going to be okay, when the reality is we don’t know.
“But I am determined that this will not define me, and if my diagnosis has taught me anything it is that when faced with something like this, you suddenly see what is really important.”
Bron, an ambassador for the 2018 Mother’s Day Classic, said that by sharing her story, she hopes to encourage the community to get behind the walk in Port Macquarie on Sunday, May 13.
“Most of us know someone who has been touched by cancer, and the reality is cancer sucks, chemotherapy sucks, but if we can help fund new research and help lower mortality rates, then hell yes I am in,” she said.
“The fact is one in eight will be diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and it is so important for the community to get behind events like the Mother’s Day Classic, so that we can try and make a difference to those who are and who will be diagnosed.
“I have nothing to lose by telling my story and everything to gain.
“And if my story can help someone going through cancer then that is absolutely wonderful.”
The first regional Mother’s Day Classic was held in 2007, and since then more and more dedicated volunteers have added 100 regional events in every corner of Australia, with Port Macquarie coming on board in 2014.
“In the last 21 years the Mother’s Day Classic has raised more than $33.2 million for the National Breast Cancer Foundation,” CEO Sharon Morris said.
“And for the last few years the Port Macquarie community has played a role in helping us reach that amazing figure.”
Registration is still open for the Port Macquarie event and Bron said, she hopes lots of people come and take part.
“My diagnosis showed me you don’t know how strong you are until you have no other choice but I hope by the community coming together on Sunday we can shove cancer to the ground and live in the moment –which is exactly what I am trying to do,” she said.
“The walk is a celebration of community coming together and that we are facing cancer directly and not being afraid.
“On Sunday I will be walking with more than 50 of my friends and family in ‘Bron and Co’ shirts and for me that is really humbling to know they are cheering me on.
“We are facing cancer together and I know that nothing will tear us apart if we stand together.”
The 5km run/walk will take place on Sunday May 13 at Westport Park with people walking to Town Beach and back from 8.30am.
To register head to the website or check out the Mother’s Day Classic Port Macquarie Facebook page.