By Alesha Capone
For the past four years, Manor Lakes resident Maria Lodola-Price has taken part in the Cancer Council Victoria’s Walking Stars event in memory of a beloved parent.
Ms Lodola-Price’s mother, Susana, died in June 2018 after an 11-year battle with cancer.
Susana went into remission after receiving treatment for bowel cancer, but sadly she later developed lymphoma.
Ms Lodola-Price said she first participated in Walking Stars during 2017, not long after she and her two older brothers found out their mother’s lymphoma was terminal.
Walking Stars, Melbourne’s only night-time walking half-marathon, helps raise funds in support of the Cancer Council Victoria.
More than 1500 people are expected to attend this year’s 21-kilometre, non-competitive walk on the weekend.
Ms Lodola-Price said people of all ages and fitness levels joined the event.
“It’s a great event, with really positive energy and everyone dressed in bright colours, with lots of smiling faces,” she said.
Ms Lodola-Price said that in life, Susana was a wonderful mother and person.
Susana was born in Argentina and worked as a lawyer, and would often assist “the little people and the downtrodden”.
“She was not in it for the money, she was very community-minded and very dedicated to helping people,” Ms Lodola-Price.
Upon moving to Canada, Susana became a paralegal and was involved with several charities, providing aid to immigrants.
“She had a real zest for life, she was very passionate about a lot of different issues, she would go to protests and fundraised for United Way, which is a big charity in Canada,” Ms Lodola-Price said.
“She was always the life of the party, always laughing and helped a lot of people.”
Ms Lodola-Price said that after being diagnosed with cancer, her mother did not complain and refused pain medication.
“She was just such a strong, independent woman, she never wanted to be seen as weak or pitied,” Ms Lodola-Price said.
Walking Stars will start at 6pm on Saturday (December 4), at the Kings Domain.
Participants can also choose to take part virtually, by choosing to walk 21 kilometres in another location.
All participants must be fully vaccinated or hold a medical exemption to participate in the physical Walking Stars event, details: www.walkingstars.org.au
