Spa mum to take on charity challenge despite undergoing cancer treatment
8:40am Tuesday 24th May 2011
AN inspirational Droitwich Spa woman is set to take part in Bromsgrove’s Race for Life event despite bravely battling against breast cancer.
Thirty-five-year-old Manuela Kemsies, from Showell Grove, will raise nearly £2,500 for Cancer Research by completing the challenge this weekend.
The determined mum, who was only diagnosed with cancer in December, will line-up at the annual event on Sunday (May 29) after only recently finishing the first stage of her treatment.
After a number of tests at Birmingham City Hospital last year, Manuela was told that the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes and that the treatment would have to consist of chemotherapy, mastectomy and radiotherapy.
She started the chemotherapy in January and only finished the last session at the start of this month. She now faces the next two parts of her treatment in the coming months.
However, she has not let that stop her highlighting the illness or raising much-needed funds by aiming to take part in the challenge.
“I would like to raise awareness of breast cancer with my story,” said Manuela. “I have successfully coped with the first of three parts of my treatment and am now going to take part in Race for Life.
“One night I went out with my friends and one asked if anyone liked to do the Race for Life in Bromsgrove. I got very excited about doing the race and signed up. I also started getting sponsorship straight away and have so far raised £2,263.
“I would like to thank everyone who supported me by sponsoring me. I would also like to say a big thank you to my fiance Tony O'Hora and my two-year-old daughter Emily for always being there for me and giving me a reason to keep fighting.
“I would also like to thank family from Canada and Germany, friends from Gaudet Luce Golf Club, the “Spring Meadow” crowd for their generous donation for Cancer Research, friends and colleagues from South Birmingham College, and to friends Ursula, Carly, Becky, Helen and Evie for doing the Race for Life with me.”
Manuela has even set up a website to help other people who experience hair loss as a result of cancer treatment after designing a headscarf for herself.
“It was devastating to be diagnosed with cancer, the fear of going through chemotherapy treatments and the feeling of isolation. For me, the scariest prospect was that of losing my hair. I know from my own experience how distressing it is to lose your hair and how important a comfortable head cover is.
“Right at the beginning of my journey I was searching for head covers for when my hair would fall out. I bought a variety of headscarves, hats and got myself a wig, but nothing seemed comfortable and I felt very self conscious. “I have designed a headscarf which combines an elasticated headband and scarf for my own use and have created a website at www.comfyheadscarves.com where other people can get them.
“I want to help raise awareness of breast cancer and get more women to sign up for Race for Life to help and support the incredible work everyone at Cancer Research is doing,” she added.
No comments:
Post a Comment