For Jodie

Hey friends,

I've decided to make a difference and fundraise for Challenge Brain Cancer to raise much needed funds for Peace of Mind Foundation.
My beautiful friend Jodie Lovel, was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Stage 4 Brain Tumor in August 2016. 

Jodie is a wife to Ross, mum to Alex (23) and Tom (18), a sister, an aunt, friend to many and an inspiration to everyone that has the pleasure of meeting her.

Working at a local preschool in Yarrawonga, Jodie was going to work every morning with a headache.  Her Dr told her that it was stress, as she had 4 very close family members pass away very close together.  At her son's football game at the end of July she had a major seizure, was taken to Wangaratta hospital by Ambulance, and a tumor was discovered in her brain.  The following morning she was flown by Air ambulance to the Royal Melbourne and Prof Kate Drummond and her team operated and removed most, not all, of the tumor.

The wound healed, and treatment started,. Radiation 5 days a week for 6 weeks, then chemotherapy in tablet form every day until April 2017.  At diagnosis the prognosis was 6 - 12 months to live with 3 monthly MRI's to check on the tumor.

Due to this Palliative care was organised.  "Friends in common", a Yarrawonga community cancer group helped with petrol expenses with the travel to Albury for Radiation every day except weekends for 6 weeks. 

Peace of Mind Foundation had a Women's Retreat in Werribee and Jodie attended and made a couple of friends there suffering the same diagnosis.  It was helpful and Jodie was grateful to be able to go.

Jodie has had fundraisers for Cure Brain Cancer to help raise money for this horrible disease, and volunteers at the local library to share story / rhyme every Thursday with young children - her happy place.

Jodie looks after her physical health with Chair Yoga involving music to keep her going, and is seeing a wonderful psychologist every month which has helped tremendously.   It's now 8 1/2 years on and Jodie continues to defy the odds.  Still having 3 monthly MRI's, I can only imagine the anxiety that this causes for her and her family in the lead up and the wait for results.

So, for my beautiful friend, Jodie, the challenge I have set is to WALK the Centenary Trail - 145km throughout the month of May.

If you would like to support my fundraising efforts and support The Peace of Mind Foundation, it would be amazing!

Any donation, big or small, would be greatly appreciated!  And we would love you to join and raise a ton of money with us, or join Amanda and I and walk with us.

Thanks so much!