THERE was only one choice of headwear in picturesque Kings Parade yesterday as a crowd of local Bangonabeanie supporters gathered to spread a special message to the community.
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They were rallying behind local mum and brain cancer patient Melissa Johnson to promote this week’s Brain Injury Awareness Week.
Those lending a hand for Melissa’s cause included mayor Gary Rush and councillor Bobby Bourke.
Melissa said a large number of people are living with brain injury – many more, in fact, than the number reported.
“Brain injury is presently invisible to too many people,” she said.
“There are not enough services to meet current needs, and to avoid the stigma and being thrown into the ‘too-hard basket’, it’s vital we keep the beanie concept fun.
“I am so incredibly grateful to my whole family for supporting my fundraising idea during my numerous chemotherapy treatments. I am determined my illness will not stop me from raising awareness of brain cancer and brain injuries.”
Melissa said more than 200 people attended a fundraising dinner she organised at Bathurst Panthers in May.
The night was a huge success, raising more than $5000 for Brain Tumour Alliance Australia ($3500) and Brain Storm at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital ($1800).
“Special thanks to local resident Sam Weeks, who personally raised $550 by shaving his hair and eyebrows off,” Melissa said.
Melissa said she is so grateful to everyone who supported the event and would like to thank Bathurst Panthers for providing the venue and prizes, as well as many Bathurst businesses for generously supporting the fundraiser, including WJ Coote and Sons, Chateau Bell, Sports Co, Lowes, Jumbo’s Jungle Playhouse and Cafe, News on William, Muffin Break, Blowes Menswear, Metro Cinemas, Gloria Jean’s, Macquarie Skin and Day Spa, Masters, Bernardi’s IGA, Kelly Sargent, Books Plus, Big W, Vanessa Pringle Floral Designs, Ruby 6, Flower Box, Cobblestone Lane, and South Sea Seafoods.
“Thanks also to Kara Longman, Julie Brown, Justine Manyweathers, who made the 300 origami cranes, Sue Pocknall for being MC on the night and Lisa Smith from Posh Designs who beautifully decorated the room.”
Bathurst residents can donate to Bang on A Beanie at https://synapse.org.au/donations/ donate-now.aspx