SITTING by her aunt’s bedside for months on end, Mount Gambier resident Anja Didsbury felt hopeless as she watched the person she admires the most slowly fading away and losing the fight against cancer.
A theatre nurse at the Mount Gambier Hospital, Robyn Messenger fought for many years to tackle the cancer that continued to wear her down, coming back time after time.
In 1991, 2003 and again in 2014, the cervical cancer reappeared, determined to break the strong and inspiring woman who tended to many patients and helped to safely deliver countless babies in the Limestone Coast.
Enduring a number of major surgeries, chemotherapy and radiotherapy with a smile on her face, Ms Messenger did all she could to beat the disease that has led to so many losses of lives across the country.
Following in her aunt’s footsteps, Ms Didsbury pursued a career in nursing and after seeing first-hand the struggles faced when fighting cancer, wanted to do her part in helping others who are sadly affected by the disease.
“After the first operations, I was just sitting there and felt absolutely helpless, I was watching this lady who is my inspiration, who I admire and look up to fading away in front of my eyes and there was nothing I could do,” Ms Didsbury said.
“Because I couldn’t help my aunt personally, I wanted to at least raise money that could go towards other people who are fighting the horrible disease and for cancer research to help find that cure that we all really want.”
Unbeknown to Ms Messenger and her husband Brian, Ms Didsbury began planning a fundraiser for Cancer Council SA.
“It wasn’t until about three months into the process they found out what I was doing,” Ms Didsbury said.
“Robyn just gave me this look and said ‘oh Anja’.”
Initially Ms Didsbury wanted to shave her head as a charity stunt, but after further consideration realised another direction would be more suitable and hopefully successful.
“I decided instead I would make it more of a fun night, but would also cut my hair to help to raise a bit more money,” she said.
“The plan was to have Robyn make the first cut at the event, but as I saw her get worse I realised she probably wouldn’t make it to the date.
“I still wanted to have her involved in the whole process so one day when I was visiting her in hospital I got her to do the first chop.”
Sadly in July this year, Ms Messenger succumbed to her cancer.
Unable to continue the fight, she passed away suddenly, leaving Ms Didsbury even more determined to help others suffering from the disease.
“Throughout her whole cancer journey, Robyn never complained once – the amount of pain she was in was excruciating, yet she would sit there with a smile on her face and say I’m fine,” Ms Didsbury said.
“She never got angry at all and still had this great outlook on life – she was such an inspirational woman.
“That is why I am even more determined to reach my goal of $10,000 because there is no way I want anyone else to watch what I did, it was horrendous.”
Later this month, with the support of local businesses and community members, Ms Didsbury will hold a fundraising gala event at Thyme at the Lakes.
The night will include a fashion show, performances by stand-up comedian Fabien Clark and local singer Ellyana Sims, a silent auction, raffle and, of course, Ms Didsbury’s hair chop.
Attendees will also be treated to a sit down, two-course meal.
“At the moment we have sold around 50 tickets, but our aim will reach 120, which is the maximum number the venue is able to take,” Ms Didsbury said
“Part of the sale of the tickets will go directly to the cause, with the remainder covering the cost of the food.”
While Ms Didsbury has received a great range of silent auction items and raffle prizes such as hampers and two nights accommodation, she is hoping to gain further monetary donations.
“It has been quite expensive to organise the event and it has all come from my own pocket, so any cash donations would be greatly received,” she said.
“I’ve really struggled to get people on board as sponsors so far so if people are willing and wanting that would be fantastic.
“However, if they would rather donate items for the silent auction and raffle that would also be greatly appreciated.
“The goal at the end of the day will raise awareness for cancer – breast cancer is not the only one, there are so many different sorts and many people suffering.”
The Everyone Deserves a Lifetime Fundraising Gala will be held at Thyme on the Lakes on September 30 with doors opening at 5.30pm for a 6pm start.
Tickets are $80 each and can be purchased at www.trybooking.com by searching Everyone Deserves a Lifetime or visit www.sa.cancercouncilfundraising.org.au/allforthecause to make a financial donation.
