Bacchus Marsh’s Joan Gauci Quigley has raised more than $130,000 for women’s cancer since 2007, making her the state’s top fundraiser.
Ms Quigley and her sisters decided to host their first Girls’ Night In in honour of their mother, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003 and lost her battle to the disease in 2008.
“It was a little get-together in my garage and from there it grew and grew and grew,” Ms Quigley says. “At one stage, I had 600 women coming to my nights in.”
In 2011, life turned sour for Ms Quigley and her sister; both were diagnosed with breast cancer.
But it hasn’t slowed down the sisters, who feel it’s their responsibility to help fight female cancers.
Ms Quigley says cancer doesn’t change who you are, but it does change the person you become.
“Before I was diagnosed I never travelled the world,” she says. “Now, I try to travel every year. I try to make the most of my life.”
To contribute to Ms Quigley’s fundraiser, call the Cancer Council on 13 11 20 and quote supporter number 523540.
To register your own Girls’ Night In, visit www.girlsnightin.com.au.
Joan Gauci Quigley. Photo: Wayne Hawkins
