Decade of dedication to Mother’s Day Classic

CAROLINE Donohue’s story started 12 and a half years ago, just before Christmas, when she found a lump under her right arm.

“I went to the doctors, and she sent me off for scans,” Caroline explained, who resides in Wonthaggi.

“They did a biopsy and discovered it was breast cancer.

“When I found out the surgeons were all closing down for Christmas, but I came across a wonderful surgeon called Caroline Baker at Mercy Private.

“She pretty well saved my life because I actually had breast cancer in both breasts unknowingly.”

After surgery Caroline went on to receive chemotherapy, radiation and Herceptin over one and a half years.

“I received treatment every three weeks and went back to work.

“Luckily, we were still running our own business (Bass Coast Refrigeration and Air Conditioning) at that stage which was very busy.

“I was very fortunate not to be ill, but I did put on 16 kilos.

“It was a big shock,” Caroline’s husband, Colin, added.

“We didn’t know what the future was going to hold – we ended up putting the business for sale.”

Bringing their life’s plan forwards meant Caroline and Colin travelled Australia and ultimately the world.

“My dad was Dutch so we’ve being lucky to go back a couple of times and to the UK.

“In Australia or anywhere far north where it's warm (I love).

“We’ve got four granddaughters now, and I just think well, if I can stop this from happening to other people, or if not stop it get the treatment right, so people aren't dying from it.”

The Mother’s Day Classic has been an important date in Caroline’s calendar for many years, and in what is shaping up to be her last, she is keen to get the message out, and find support for those who can take the Classic into the future.

“I think this will probably be my last time running it, sadly.

“Not because I'm not going to be here next year, that's not on the agenda!

“It's just getting a little too tied up in red tape and other endeavours mean heading north earlier in the season.

“It’s incredible some of the things that have come out of the (National Breast Cancer Foundation) research from the funds raised – we’ve helped other cancers, lung cancer, prostate…”

Whilst the trials may not have cured breast cancer yet, each day is a step in the right direction.

“I walked in 2011 in Melbourne (at the Mother’s Day Classic).

“We took a few girls from here, undertook the 8k walk and got drenched.

“We got back home and said ‘we could do this’ and that is how it started many years ago.

With support services increasing in Gippsland and in particular locally, a dream of Caroline’s would be to see a one stop shop.

An individual who sits down with you, writes up a plan and goes through your life.

“If you get diagnosed there's 30 things you have to do straightaway.

“Who's going to see you? Have you got funds to do it? Who's going to look after your kids, your pets to stay in Melbourne?

“Who's going to get you there? Who's going to get you home?

“We need special clothing.

“There are so many things you're bombarded with and it's like, holy hell, how am I going to do this?

“If there's just someone there to sit and have a cup of tea, little chat, a little tick list.

“Not choosing your doctor but just pointing you in the direction of services that are available.

“When I was diagnosed, I had a locum doctor and sadly she had no idea of where to resource anything.

“She was a beautiful doctor, but luckily my niece worked in medical science.

“Caroline (Baker) was amazing, just incredible. I just felt safe.”

With some investigation, Caroline also managed to secure local treatment at Leongatha with oncologist Dr Michael Chipman’s assistance.

“He said to me ‘You’re gonna get killed on the road before cancer kills you.’

“Because its Herceptin, and not as poisonous a chemo, Leongatha said they could fit me in.

“Michael said, ‘have three over there, then the fourth in Melbourne.”

Seventeen was Caroline’s lucky number, seventeen treatments, and only driving to Melbourne every fourth was a blessing.
At $3,000 per treatment, thankfully the PBS covered the cost.

For Colin having someone he could talk to was just as important; and luckily that came in the form of a fishing friend whose wife had been through it five years prior.

“He was there to guide me, giving me the heads up on what was going to happen and what to prepare for,” Colin explained.

“He was a great.”

With Wonthaggi Hospital opening an oncology unit, and support services increasing locally, hopefully one day not only can we find a cure or treatment, but the road for women and men comes with less stress thanks to the women who have walked before…

If you would like to purchase the pink ski and paddle, or spearhead Wonthaggi’s Mother’s Day Classic into the future, please call Caroline directly on 0419 597 364.