By ALESHA CAPONE
JENNIE Barnes is keeping the memory of her beloved son Jackson alive at Reality Tattoo Body Art Studio in Sunshine West.
Eight years ago, Ms Barnes lost her son to Neuroblastoma Leukaemia, an adrenal gland cancer which is usually diagnosed in children.
“Jack had his first pain on his 18th birthday,” she said.
“In the next three months, he was in a wheelchair in pain and no one could figure out why.
“He lasted 33 months and went into a coma on his 21st birthday.
“Neuroblastoma is relatively treatable as a child but if you’re an adult, you have no chance,” Ms Barnes said.
Ms Barnes opened the Sunshine West tattoo shop three months ago, to help another of her sons – artist Lachie Marks – “achieve his dreams”.
The tattoo parlour donates 10 per cent of its income to the Childhood Cancer Institute of Australia to aid Neuroblastoma research.
Three ancient Japanese Kanji symbols which read, “Every day, every moment, enjoy,” have been sketched on the parlour’s wall.
When Jack was in respite in early 2003, he travelled to Japan where he received the same Kanji blessed by Samurai monks.
To help Lachie open the tattoo shop, Ms Barnes has taken long service leave from her job as a radiation therapist, treating cancer sufferers.
“I have a great empathy for my patients,” Ms Barnes. “Everyone is touched by cancer on some level and it’s important we help eradicate it.”
To help raise funds for the Cancer Council Victoria, Reality Tattoo will host an Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea from 9.30am on 16 May at shop 8, 136 The Avenue, Sunshine West.
The event will feature a raffle, busker, sausage sizzle and $50 daffodil tattoos.
Coles, Shark’s Tail Fish and Chippery and C-Tune Automotive in Braybrook have donated the raffle prizes.
The Cancer Council Victoria is calling on other Brimbank residents to join the celebrations for Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea.
To register, text ‘TEA’ to 0400 867 867, visit www.biggestmorningtea.com.au or call 1300 65 65.
