Marina will Ride to Conquer Cancer in memory of her father. 79328 Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
By VANESSA CHIRCOP
MARINA Ekonomou knows all too well what it’s like to lose a loved one to cancer.
When she was just 13 years-old her father was diagnosed with leukaemia and the young girl’s world was turned upside down.
For the next two years, Bill Ekonomou fought – he fought every day to have just one more day with his wife, his son and his daughter.
But sadly not long after his 46th birthday, Bill lost his fight.
Twelve years later Marina is training hard to take part in the Ride to Conquer Cancer.
The two-day, 700 kilometre ride through Victoria requires participants to raise a minimum of $2500 for the Peter Mac Foundation in order to participate.
Marina has already raised more than $3000 but according to the Newport resident, that’s not nearly enough.
“My goal was to make the top 10 in the funding list,” she said.
“It’s a personal goal to at least make it on the list once.
“I’ve been door-knocking, auctioning off hampers and lots of people that know me have donated.”
Marina, who will be getting married later this year, said she still misses her dad every day especially now that she’s getting married.
“It’s going to be hard not to have him walk me down the aisle,” she said.
Marina said she knows her dad would be proud to see her take part in the ride.
“If he was here, he’d be doing it with me,” she said.
“He used to take us cycling all the time.
“He was really out-doorsy and loved camping – he was really fun to be around.”
The Ride to Conquer Cancer will take place from 27-28 October.
To make a donation to Marina’s cause visit www.conquercancer.org.au and search for Marina Ekonomou.
