Josie Minniti has spent the past 18 years trying to make a difference to the lives of cancer patients at the Northern and Austin hospitals.
The Epping resident founded the Josie Minniti Fun Group for Cancer after several friends and family were diagnosed with cancer in the same year.
Mrs Minniti watched as her loved one’s battled their cancers and vowed to do something to make a difference.
On Monday, Mrs Minniti’s countless charity work was recognised as part of the Queen’s birthday honours, when she was made an officer of the Order of Australia.
Over the years, Mrs Minniti’s group has donated more than $500,000 to the Northern and Austin hospitals, allowing them to buy chemotherapy chairs, stryker trolleys and bladder and breast scanners.
The group has also donated money to refurbish a room at both hospitals, creating a more pleasant environment for patients.
Mrs Minniti regularly organises weekend trips to raise money for the hospitals and holds an annual dinner dance. Last year’s event allowed Mrs Minniti to donate almost $20,000 between the two hospitals.
The kindergarten teacher said that hearing the stories of cancer patients encouraged her to continue fundraising after all these years.
“I wanted to make life comfortable for people while they were undergoing treatment for these horrible cancers,” she said.
“When you see someone less fortunate and you see children with cancer, you know that you still have to keep going to make a difference to their quality of life.”
Mrs Minniti also volunteers as a member of the Northern Hospital fundraising committee and is a patron of the Northern Health Foundation.
She said that her OAM was recognition of the tireless work of her many supporters over the years, especially her husband Rino, and her four daughters.
“I don’t think I am worthy enough,” she said. “It’s a humbling honour.”
The Josie Minniti Fun Group for Cancer’s next fundraiser will be a dinner dance on Saturday, July 9 at Ferraro Reception Centre, 14 Onslow Avenue, Campbellfield, from 6pm-midnight.
Tickets cost $50 for adults and $25 for children under 12 and include a seven-course meal and drinks. The event will feature live music, raffles and auctions.
Details: 9401 4199
