By Vanessa Chircop
KELLY Cartwright has experienced more challenges during the course of her young life than the average person.
At the tender age of 15, doctors discovered an incredibly rare form of cancer – Synovial Sarcoma in Kelly’s knee.
She was forced to make a life changing decision to either have her leg amputated or undergo a radical operation.
The avid netball player chose the amputation and has since become a successful Paralympics sprinter.
Kelly said the decision to amputate her leg was not an easy one to make.
“I remember saying I’d rather die which was stupid then,” she said.
Her decision was finally made by the fact that the cancer hadn’t spread and more than likely wouldn’t spread with an amputation.
Kelly has not let her amputation hold her back and has since gone onto achieve greatness and is determined to use her experience to help others.
“Being positive is the main thing to do and if you can keep positive good things will come,” Kelly said.
Kelly said her experience has made her the person she is today and has taught her to be respectful and not to judge others.
In May 2009 Kelly’s outstanding athletic performance earned her the 200m world record and the 100m Australian record at the Oceania Paralympics Championships held in Darwin..
In addition to her successful athletic career, Kelly is also actively involved in community initiatives and will be joining Cancer Council Victoria’s Hobson’s Bay Relay For Life next March.
Kelly will attend the event to give a speech highlighting her inspirational journey and will also join in the community fund raising initiative.
Relay For Life is an overnight event, which will see teams of locals take turns to walk through the night to raise funds and awareness to help fight cancer.
The event, which is suitable for all ages, will also feature live entertainment, activities, and special ceremonies that honour people’s experiences with cancer.
The event has been running in Hobson’s Bay since 2006 and has raised funds to support life-saving cancer research and support services for people in times of great need.
The event will be held at Pines Reserve in Altona on 5 March and 6.
If you would like more information about this event call Cheryl Johnson on 0418 141 377 or go to www.relayforlife.org.au
