12:00a.m. 8th August 2008
Breast cancer survivor, Sam Naudin, finishes the 10km run in the Caloundra Foreshore Fun Run, with the support of her pint-sized fan club, children Wilsen, 6, and Lili, 3. Photo: Brett Wortman/174967
Her motto is “never never never give up”. Just take a look at her t-shirt.
And competing in the Noosa Half Marathon to raise more money for Bloomhill Cancer Help is the next challenge for breast cancer survivor Sam Naudin.
After the Caloundra fun run, a 160km Noosa to Brisbane fundraising bike ride, the single mother of two decided to test herself on a 21km running course.
Just 18 months after a mastectomy and harrowing cancer treatment, Ms Naudin sees her fundraising as an opportunity to give something back to Bloomhill, who along with her family and friends supported her during her cancer battle.
The Castaway Beach single mum and personal trainer was diagnosed on Valentine's Day 2007 and after three weeks her partner of 15 years, unable to cope, left her alone to fight cancer and continue to care for their children, a 21-month-old girl and five-year-old boy.
After a mastectomy and 21 lymph nodes were removed, Ms Naudin underwent six rounds of chemotherapy over six months and then six months of radiation treatment as well.
“I think when you’ve got a second crack at life, you have to go for it,” she said.
“I have no doubt the amount of sport and training I’ve done was a big help to my recovery.
“My message, in doing this marathon after having a year like last year, is that you can get through the other side no matter how tough it is.”
“When you’re down and out, there’s light at the end of tunnel.”
Ms Naudin said she aimed to raise money to set up a kids space at Bloomfield for children suffering cancer or who have parents going through the ordeal.
She said her long term goal was to build a retreat somewhere for cancer sufferers or their carers.
“I am very lucky because I had very strong support from my mum and my friends who went through everything with me and now I am fit and healthy they are still with me helping give something back to help other people fighting cancer,” Sam said.
“I also had the people at Bloomhill where I could go and talk about what I was going through, get counselling or a massage and have people really understand. Instead of saying they understood, they said I remember that and that really helped.”
Ms Naudin has also inspired a team of Bloomhill supporters and friends to join her as the “Bloomhill Never Never Never Give Up” walking team in the 5km walk event at the Noosa Half Marathon on August 24.
Places are still available in the walking team but registrations must be received by August 14.
If you want to take part in the walk, order a supporter’s pack or sponsor Ms Naudin, phone Jo Falla on 0403 181 887.
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