WHEN Josie Minniti lost 12 relatives to cancer in one year, she vowed to help people with the disease. In the past 13 years, she has raised $400,000 for hospitals.
Now her husband Rino has bowel cancer, and seeing children with the disease has sparked this year’s goal of raising $25,000 to fit out a three-bed children’s room at the Northern Hospital. “Rino took part in last year’s World’s Greatest Shave at the hospital, where he saw sick children and was touched by their spirit,” Mrs Minniti said.
“We have raised money for breast cancer, bowel cancer, every cancer except for children and now it’s time to help them.”
The Epping grandmother, a chronic asthmatic, holds an annual dinner dance and silent auction to raise money. This year’s theme is “Let’s give the children hope”.
“I am lucky to have two healthy grandchildren and I work in a kindergarten and love kids, so raising money for children with cancer is important.”
Mrs Minniti said her husband had found various cancer treatments tough and had sympathised with children undergoing treatment.
She said $400,000 had been raised for equipment for cancer patients at the Northern and Austin hospitals.
“Cancer sufferers need to be made comfortable while undergoing their treatment and many have been amazed at the difference equipment makes to their quality of life.
“I’ve seen so many people suffer or die from this disease; we have to make them comfortable.’’
Mrs Minniti appealed for businesses to donate goods for auction on June 22 at the Greenville Reception Centre in Green Street, Thomastown.
Details: call 9401 4199
