ELLIE Hawkins might shy away from the limelight but on Friday, July 31, she will deservedly be the centre of attention.
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Ellie’s mother Sonia has organised a disco and auction night at Club Forster, in Strand Street as both a fundraiser and a thank you for Ellie’s recent battle with cancer.
Doors open at 6pm with the auction at 7pm, followed by the disco which runs until 10.30pm. Entry is by gold coin donation.
The auction list is extensive and includes a golf bag, signed skateboard by America’s Tony Hawk, television set and printer. There are also 10 lucky door prizes and a pick-a-board containing 20 prizes from 56 numbers.
‘No child - no innocent child, should get cancer. Things like this are sent to test us. I believe that when Ellie grows up, she will appreciate things more and be able to help others because of it. Cancer makes you weak, but it makes you stronger too.’
- Ellie’s mother Sonia Hawkins
“It has been amazing. Businesses and individuals have donated items for the auction. I have received tremendous support. People have all been so generous,” Sonia said.
“This night is for Ellie. It’s a chance for her to have a night with her friends. It might be a fundraiser but I wanted something where people got something back as well,” she said.
The theme is fluoro and fun, with glow in the dark face painting and fairy floss on glow in the dark sticks.
“We encourage people to wear neon colours and dress up.”
Ellie, 12, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in December last year, coincidentally as a medical observation when she broke her wrist playing soccer for the Tuncurry Hawks.
“We took her to emergency and she was looked at by an orthopaedic surgeon. It must have been the way she was lying, but the doctor noticed a lump coming out of her neck. I think now how lucky we were that this happened, because we would not have known if not for him,” Sonia said.
The lump proved to be a 5cm growth which engulfed the thyroid and was pressing against the windpipe. Ellie subsequently had five hours of surgery to remove this and neighbouring lymph glands. In May, it was discovered that the cancer had spread to her lungs.
Since that time, she has received radiation treatment and will return in September to find out its effectiveness and assess further treatment.
“It’s one of those things you don’t expect, but you have to deal with. We have been lucky that it was caught in time for treatment,” Sonia said.
Ellie has now returned to school and Sonia said the disco was a way she could “have a bit of fun”.
“The fundraising is so that we can do some special things that we otherwise could not afford. But it’s mainly so she can have some fun with her friends.”
Sonia said Ellie’s friends had been her salvation during the last eight months.
“They would constantly text and support her. They came in a carload to Newcastle to see her in hospital. They have been life savers without realising it. Her friends have just turned up and this has brought her out of that hole. They have been amazing.”
“You just face what happens when it happens. No child - no innocent child, should get cancer. Things like this are sent to test us. I believe that when Ellie grows up, she will appreciate things more and be able to help others because of it. Cancer makes you weak, but it makes you stronger too.”