My name is Melissa Ramsden and in October I will be riding 200km through the Yarra Valley to participate in the 2012 Ride to Conquer Cancer benefiting Peter Mac. I will be riding in memory of my beautiful cousins Bec Jago whom passed away in October last year after a 5-year battle with Kidney cancer. Bec was constantly in and out of Peter Mac, meaning I was also constantly in and out visiting her. I was able to see first hand the fantastic work Peter Mac does for patients everywhere - as well as the huge amount of care and support they offer families and relatives. Peter Mac did a wonderful job caring for Bec both mentally and physically, both in her last weeks and throughout the five years she suffered.
Bec made a tireless effort not only to stay healthy and positive, but also to help fundraise for Peter Mac On Trac - a team dedicated to supporting young adolescents battling cancer just like herself. During Bec's many trips to Peter Mac she always spoke of how there was no space for her to sit and relax with people her own age - instead she was placed in rooms with patients 20-30 years older then her. With dedication and through many many fundraisers Bec was able to come up with enough money for On-Trac to build a "break out - AYA" room. The Break Out room is an area for young teenagers and adults facing cancer to spend time just hanging out and relaxing, playing games and chatting to others going through the same thing as them.
I will be participating in this bike ride in a team of 14 girls. Each member of the team must raise a minimum of $2500 in order to ride. I wanted to do this ride not only as a tribute to my beautiful angel but to continue on with her fundraising efforts, to prove that even though she may not be here - her efforts and the imprint her tiny little feet left on everyone will never be forgotten. Please help by donating to this wonderful cause in hope that one day someone wont have to loose their daughter, sister, cousin or best friend.
