The Pambula Business Chamber is preparing to hold its inaugural event in memory of Tracey Beasley.
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Tracey was an admired single mum to Molly, Banjo and Toby, and a much loved community member. She was also a warrior, whose dying wish was for the message of melanoma awareness to spread far and wide.
The chamber said its goal was to "keep the candle alight for Tracey" and bring the community together to promote melanoma awareness and education in a free family fun atmosphere.
The Pambula Melanoma Awareness Day (MAD) event is to be held at Discovery Park Pambula Beach on Sunday, May 30, from 11am until 4pm.
There is a host of activities planned throughout the day, including mega games, mini zoo, a magician, food, live music, face painting, jumping pillow, mini golf, performing art displays, vintage cars and more. There will be friendly competitions, prizes and giveaways, as well as the all important Health Hub.
The Health Hub will be supported by local medical professionals who will provide information, education, a free mini health check up and more. Every visitor to the Health Hub will receive a free raffle ticket into a major prize draw.
Tracey Beasley's story began when she was 19 and went on an end of high school holiday to Bali where she got so badly burnt she lost three layers of skin. She wanted to leave Bali with a tan because the other girls had such lovely skin and she wanted to be the same.
She never got the tan, but she ended up with cancer.
Tracey had a melanoma removed from her back in 2005 and 10 years later, a tumour grew in her brain which was confirmed as a secondary melanoma.
Unfortunately, after five years of numerous invasive brain surgeries, and with tumours on her lungs, Tracey took her last breath.
Tracey was passionate about awareness. She introduced brimmed sun safe hats into the local primary school and advocated the importance of wearing a good sunscreen.
Before she died, Tracey was working towards starting up a shade sail campaign for future generations and promoted the idea that "prevention is better than cure".
Pambula Business Chamber will be "sharing the love" and honouring Tracey's wish by hosting this event with thanks to major sponsor Robert Smith Furnishings and Sleep Doctor Pambula, and proud partners Pambula Rotary and the Discovery Park Pambula Beach.
Australia has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the world with one person being diagnosed every 30 minutes. It is estimated 1300 people will die from melanoma in Australia this year.
It is the most common cancer for Australians 15-39 years old and the third most common cancer in Australia.
The main preventable cause of melanoma is overexposure to UV radiation. Melanoma doesn't discriminate. Anybody at any age can get it.
Everyone is encouraged to have at least one skin check up every 12 months with their local GP or skin cancer clinic. The good news is that if detected early, it can be effectively treated.
Follow the Pambula Business Chamber on Facebook for program and activity times. Entry is via the Broken Oar.
This is a COVIDsafe event. Everyone must sign in and please do not attend if you are feeling unwell.
