Cancer Council NSW has expressed its pride to have nonagenarian Joy Davey from Taree as one of its long-time VIP supporters.
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Joy, a cancer survivor twice over, has been involved with Daffodil Day since its inception 30 years ago and more recently Pink Month.
In fact, Joy has been president of the Taree Cancer Action Group, which she started in 1991.
“October is Cancer Council NSW’s breast and gynaecological cancer awareness month, the pink ribbon being the international symbol of support,” said Sarah Rogers, Lower Mid North Coast Community Relations co-ordinator.
This month holds a great deal of significance for Joy having been diagnosed with breast cancer in 1981.
“I trained as a midwife at the Royal North Shore Hospital and after 22 years became a theatre sister, later moving to the Manning Base Hospital,” recalled Joy.
“Over the years I regularly carried out a breast examination while under the shower and it was during one of these examinations I discovered a lump.
“At that time mammograms, ultrasounds and biopsies were unheard of.
I cannot stress enough the importance of self-examination – it can save your life!
- Cancer survivor Joy Davey
“Normal X-rays were used which were unsatisfactory. I underwent a radical mastectomy – a decision I have never regretted.
“After all my breasts had fed three babies and had reached their use by date,” Joy remarked. “In addition my mother had breast cancer so it was in the genes.
“I cannot stress enough the importance of self-examination – it can save your life,” she said.
On Friday, October 21, Joy will hold a Pink Ribbon stall in the Taree Central from 8.30am and she is looking forward to the community and her friends contributing to this wonderful cause.
Every day in Australia, around 50 women will be diagnosed with breast or gynaecological cancer.
Funds raised from Pink events helps Cancer Council run their world class information and support services, prevention and education programs. On top of this, Pink events fund invaluable breast and gynaecological cancer research and advocacy programs.
October is also synonymous with Girls Night In – a Cancer Council NSW fundraising initiative which was launched in 2005 to encourage women to get together and raise funds for women’s cancers, including breast, cervical, ovarian, vaginal, cancer of the vulva and uterine cancers.
