By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Denise Lyons’ grand plans to reprise her inspirational 32-kilometre charity walk in memory of her late sister Anne has taken an unplanned detour.
But she and the walk, which supports research into the ‘forgotten cancers’, are still steaming ahead on 8 September.
Ms Lyons, a personal assistant at Dandenong Hospital, had become an avid walker despite the “daily reminders” of her own cancer survival.
However at the start of the year, her daily walks were cruelled by a painful foot-ligament injury, plantar fasciitis.
“I’m absolutely hating it,” she says.
“The doctors say the only treatment is rest. It’s a slow process.”
Last year, she raised $4200 when she trekked from her childhood home in Nar Nar Goon to Hampton Park.
She travelled via Pakenham, Officer, Beaconsfield and Berwick to St Kevin’s Catholic Church, Hampton Park – where her sister Anne’s funeral service was held 16 years ago to the day.
The walk, in a way, covers the geographical arc of Anne’s life.
Next month, Ms Lyons is aiming to cover about half the trip – as well as giving strong support to her son Sam and other family and friends over the remaining 16 kilometres.
In the leadup, it’s been a chance to delve through old photos and remember her effervescent, life-loving sister.
Anne was just 30 when first diagnosed with pancreatic cancer – the same illness that claimed her father.
She still loved life even while living with the illness for seven years, Ms Lyons said.
“She could tell a story with her hands.
“She was full of life, energy and fun.”
Ms Lyons was diagnosed with cancer herself six years ago, and underwent two surgeries, chemo and radiotheraphy.
Daily, she endures lymphoedema and the occasional stinging pain. She has to avoid cuts, and take daily medication.
But she considers herself one of the lucky ones.
And along the way, she fell in love with walking.
“When you walk you solve all the problems of the world.
“It’s a quiet time to think through all the things in your life.
“You see so much when you walk.”
To donate, go to the Cancer Council page https://myownway.everydayhero.com/au/annie-s-way-2018
