Hi Everyone,
Life is a rollercoaster, and sometimes it can be a crazy ride.
Often, we have thrilling highs, but sadly there are times when we all have to endure significant lows.
This week our small team was rocked by the news that our much-loved Mackay Life Editor, Amanda Wright, has been diagnosed with Bowel Cancer.
You can read her own account which she has bravely decided to share in her Editor’s Note on the flip side of this paper.
As many of you will know, I was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer five years ago and this news has proven that lightning can indeed strike twice within a small team.
One in 10 people diagnosed with Bowel Cancer are under the age of 50, so if you are experiencing irregular bathroom behaviour, any unusual aches and pains, bleeding or discomfort please get it checked out.
Both Amanda and I experienced a period of time where we were told by our GP’s that it was “probably nothing” and we were “too young” for Bowel Cancer, only to find out we had it.
If we had been diagnosed earlier, it would have been much less complicated. You are allowed to question your GP’s advice, be your own advocate and take your health into your own hands. This is a lesson we both learnt the hard way.
Changing pace now, I’d just like to say what an absolute honour it was to document the Anzac Day events this year.
The Dawn Ceremony at Cannonvale was incredible and to think over 50% of the Greater Airlie Beach Area population made their way down to the Cenotaph in the dark, to be greeted with such a crowd as the dawn broke through – it was a very humbling experience for everyone involved.
We all missed Billy Rose, who sadly passed away earlier this year. His humour and character will always be remembered, and it was lovely to see his family place a wreath at the Airlie Beach Cenotaph in his honour.
Rach
Quote of the Week: “How can I be the best part of someone else’s day?” (Ben Crowe)
