AFTER sadly losing her grandfather to lung cancer when she was a child, Millicent teenager Sally Sapiatzer decided to take a stand and continue to fight for a cure in his memory.
Over the past two years, the 15-year-old Millicent High School (MHS) student has become a strong advocate for the Cancer Council as an ambassador and has raised over $3000.
Sally said she chose to support the Cancer Council because she wanted to give back and make a difference.
“When I was seven years old, I watched my grandfather suffer through lung cancer,” she said.
“He fought so hard but unfortunately lost his fight, so I am continuing to fight for him.
“I would never wish the pain and suffering of cancer on anybody and personally would prefer to never see anybody else go through it.”
Sally added as she was such a young age at the time she was scared and confused by the situation.
“On the day he died and the days following I slowly realised what happened,” she said.
“Throughout this time the Cancer Council was a large support to my family and I wanted to give back.”
As well as raising money for the cause, Sally has also raised awareness by promoting sun safety within the South East community and at local schools.
“I have had the support of local schools through my sun safety program,” she said.
“They have been happy to have me on board hosting activities and giving presentations.
“It is important to promote sun safety, especially to the younger generation.”
Sally said as she approaches her senior years at MHS she hopes to continue her volunteer work as a Cancer Council ambassador.
“Through this experience as ambassador I have learned so much,” she said.
“I have learnt that even one thing can make a difference and that even a small town like Millicent can make a big change.”
As part of her latest fundraising efforts, Sally is hosting a raffle, which includes around $1500 worth of prizes donated from local businesses.
All proceeds raised will be donated to the Cancer Council to help with vital cancer research, patient support and education.
She will sell raffle tickets at Fosters Foodland over the next two weeks on Thursday and Saturday, as well as IGA on Sunday.
Tickets are $1 and winners will be drawn on August 4.
