Beloved garden saves Maree

She has totally transformed it from scratch, and it was a fall while working in this treasured garden that has led to a life saving discovery.

Maree was sent for an ultrasound to check for lasting damage to her hip from the fall.

But the ultrasound highlighted something far more serious.

To everyone’s surprise, it uncovered a large tumour in her abdomen which was later confirmed to be linked to ovarian cancer.

Normally a private person, Maree said she felt compelled to share her ordeal as a health warning for other women.

“They don’t call it the silent killer for no reason,” she said.

Maree said she had no symptoms of cancer and felt generally fine.

If it had not been for her fall in the garden, she’s not sure she would have ever discovered the growth.

Once diagnosed, Maree was scheduled for immediate surgery.

The tumour was removed and chemotherapy started, the last round of which is due on January 30 next year.

As well as creating awareness and reminding other women to have regular checks “even if you feel fine”, Maree also wanted to share her story to highlight the importance of Deniliquin Can Assist in the community.

She received invaluable support form the organisation in the early stages of her journey.

And while her journey is not yet over, she recently held a fundraiser to “give back to a wonderful cause.”

“I can’t thank family, friends and Can Assist enough for all the love and support that I have received,” she said.

Maree invited 24 family and friends to her home and garden recently for a special fundraiser.

“Each of the guests was asked to wear a scarf and local hairdresser Nikita Doyle, from Keet’s Hair, shaved my head.

“A hat was passed around and guests were treated to a barbecue lunch.”

From that fundraiser, Maree and her guests raised $850 to support other people requiring support from Deniliquin Can Assist.

Donations for Maree’s fundraiser are still being accepted. Go to https://donate.mycause.com.au/charity/47853 to pledge your support.