By Jessica Anstice
Only months after losing her mum to lung cancer, April Huijbregsen celebrated her 30th birthday at Cardinia Relay for Life to raise significant funds for cancer research.
April’s mum, Jowine Huijbregsen, passed away in September last year after she was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.
The Upper Beaconsfield woman’s birthday party kicked off at Toomuc Recreation Reserve on Friday afternoon in honour of her mum.
“Because she couldn’t be here for my 30th I thought it was nice to do something for her because she was my mum,” April said.
“I saw that this was the closest event to my birthday so I decided to have my birthday party here and get everyone here to celebrate and raise some much-needed funds for cancer research.
“I miss my mum and I wish she could be here but she can’t. I’m emotional, I’ve had a cry, and I’m sure there will be a lot more tears to come.”
April’s team, Team Jo which is made up of about 20 of April’s family and friends, raised more than $5000 – over $2000 more than their original fundraising goal, for Cancer Council Victoria.
“If we can help one person to not go through what mum went through or to stop one family from feeling how we feel right now, that’s enough,” she said.
“We’re just trying to do our bit for cancer research – hopefully we can help someone find the cure.”
Diagnosed in June, her 64-year-old mum battled cancer for a short period of time.
“She had no symptoms, besides she developed a small lump on her neck and that was it,” April recalled.
“The week before she passed away we were in Cairns and she was just unbelievable – it was really quick.
“We saw her at lunchtime on the Monday. At 10pm I got a phone call that I needed to be at the hospital and by the time we arrived she passed away.
“No one deserves to be a family that has to watch a loved one and feel so helpless. What do you do? You can be there for them but it’s awful.”
