For Katie Jackson, Dry July was more than just an opportunity to give up alcohol for a month and raise money for a good cause.
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Ms Jackson has seen first hand the impact cancer can have and she wanted to make a difference.
The Dubbo resident watched as her mother Elaine Swatridge battled breast cancer not once, but on three separate occasions. Others close to her have also been affected.
So Ms Jackson, who works at Dubbo Hospital, decided to make what she said was a comparatively small sacrifice and take part in Dry July.
“My mother’s had breast cancer three times. She had it when I was the age of 12 and then again in 2013 and 2014,” Ms Jackson said.
“My stepfather also had throat cancer last year and one of my best friends had breast cancer three years ago so I thought it was a good way to give back.”
Just over midway through the month, Ms Jackson had raised $945, well exceeding her initial goal of $250 and her donations will go to the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse cancer treatment centre.
“Unfortunately there’s no Dubbo cancer support services I could choose to support. I wanted to choose the Pink Angels because they helped mum out so much,” Ms Jackson said.
“But Chris O’Brien, I remember him from the show RPA, and what a significant figure he was, so I chose the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse.”
Most of her donations had come from family and friends, as well as supportive work colleagues.
Ms Jackson’s mother Elaine said
“I am extremely proud of her. I can understand what a challenge this is for her. She’s giving up something she enjoys and a lot of people aren’t prepared to do,” Ms Swatridge said.
“Throughout all these cancer journeys, as they call them, Katie has been unbelievably supportive of both myself and my husband, her stepfather, every step of the way, with great sacrifice to herself on occasion.
“I’m grateful for what she is doing, not just with Dry July but with her support on every step of the journey.”
To make a donation towards Katie’s campaign, go to dryjuly.com and search for Katie Jackson.