When Sharon Isaak lost husband Max to cancer, fitness and exercise helped her through the grief.
Now, almost two years on, the Point Cook resident is preparing for a 72-kilometre hike along the Goldfields Track from Mollongghip to Fryerstown to raise awareness of bowel cancer and funds for the Jodi Lee Foundation.
South Australian man Nick Lee established the foundation after losing wife Jodi to bowel cancer in 2010.
Its goal is to encourage people to take active steps to prevent bowel cancer by screening regularly, acting quickly on symptoms and leading healthy lives.
Mrs Isaak, 42, is running and training daily at the gym to prepare for the gruelling hike.
“If I can’t be bothered, I remember what Max went through in his cancer treatment and I toughen up,” she said.
“After you’ve been through something like [the loss of a loved one to cancer], you realise how fragile life is and how quickly things can change.”
She said early detection was the key to fighting bowel cancer and she hoped to raise awareness of that through her hike.
Mrs Isaak also hopes to raise $2000 for the foundation.
“I’m looking forward to it,” she said.
“I enjoy getting out in the natural environment with a few friends and we chat as we walk.”
Mrs Isaak will wear the Jodi Lee Foundation’s signature black tutu while completing the hike.
To donate, visit: bit.ly/2aFpn6I
