Embarking on a 115 kilometre trek may seem like an enormous undertaking, but for Bonnie Cassen each of the approximately 150,918 steps it will take to complete the journey, are worth it.
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In May 2018, she will join a group bound for the El Camino de Santiago route to raise money for the Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA).
This challenge pales in significance compared with those Mrs Cassen has already faced.
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2011, with my treatment, surgery, chemo and radiotherapy carrying through to June 2012, and then followed by years on the dreaded tamoxifen,” she said.
“During this time I experienced the BCNAs work firsthand.”
Mrs Cassen said the network provided her with things that made her journey bearable.
“They brought relief, acknowledged the hardships and fears, then helped me move forward,” she said.
“From the My Journey Kit, to the specially designed Berlei Bra, to the newsletters and the forums where others’ shared their stories, they were sometimes sobering, often reflecting my own truth back to me, full of acceptance, feelings, empathy, hope and inspiration.
“The things that empowered us, drew us together, and made the journey less lonely, less scary and more doable.”
Mrs Cassen will make the pilgrimage with 20 other women, who are combining to raise more than $100,000.
“It is my absolute honour to now be fundraising for BCNA, helping to raise funds for this important work that they do in supporting women and men who are experiencing breast cancer, and easing the journey for them,” she said.
“Many years ago the El Camino walk had called to me and I knew that one day my feet would beat its path.
“When I saw the BCNAs fundraising trip from Sarria to Santiago in Spain, it appeared to be pure magic to be able to combine the two.”
Mrs Cassen explained that the BCNA does more than support those affected by breast cancer.
“BCNA is involved in advocacy, research, information dissipation and awareness – all important issues and vital work,” she said.
“When I found out that the work of BCNA wasn’t fully funded and relied on fundraising programs such as this to provide the services they offer, I was definitely in.”
A special fund raising screening of the documentary Cultivating Murder will be held on October 13 to raise money for the BCNA, which Mrs Cassen has also organised.
Details: Friday, October 13 at the Joyce Wheatley Community Centre, Hindmarsh Park, Cnr Terralong and Collins Street, Kiama, 6.30pm for 7pm start.
Contact: 0403 433 515.
ABOUT EL CAMINO
The Camino de Santiago is a Christian pilgrimage more than a 1000 years old, located in northwest Spain.
It's believed the cathedral which is situated there, holds the remains of the apostle Saint James.
Trekkers will set off from Madrid, Spain on a guided tour, exploring the city’s highlights, before they travel beyond the city limits to embark on the Camino de Santiago.
From Sarria to Santiago, the group will trek under the shade of old oak trees into peaceful hamlets set against the rolling green backdrop of Galicia.
WHAT IS BCNA?
BCNA is the peak national organisation for Australian men and women affected by breast cancer, and has more than 120,000 members and 288 member groups.
More than 90 per cent of their members have had breast cancer, and the remaining members have had a personal experience with breast cancer through a family member or friend.
BCNA works to ensure Australians affected by breast cancer receive the very best support, information, treatment and care appropriate to their individual needs.
ABOUT THE FILM
Cultivating Murder is a new feature documentary that tells the heart-wrenching story of the murder of Glen Turner, a public servant working for the Office of Environment and Heritage, who was gunned-down on the side of the road in Croppa Creek, near Moree in 2014.
Turner was investigating illegal land clearing when he was murdered.
Ian Turnbull, a NSW rural producer, was charged with the offence and during the trial, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Turnbull, 82, died on March 27 in Hospital while serving a 35-year sentence for the crime.
A Coronial Inquest has been announced into the murder of Glen Turner. The inquest will be held in Sydney in early 2018.
The film tells the story of four people who are deeply affected by the murder:
- Alison McKenzie, Glen’s partner who is left alone with their two children.
- Fran Pearce, Glen’s younger sister, who joins Alison as they attend the Supreme Court trial of Ian Turnbull.
- Alaine Anderson, a farmer in Croppa Creek and neighbour of Ian Turnbull.
- Phil Spark, an environmental consultant, who has taken it upon himself to investigate cases of broadscale land-clearing.
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