By Alesha Capone
Yvonne Moon’s devotion to ovarian cancer research continues to inspire others, even after her death.
The family of the staunch fundraiser, who died in March at the age of 71, is determined to honour her legacy and complete one of her greatest missions – building a cancer wellness centre in the western suburbs.
“It will provide a service to all cancer sufferers in a homely environment and offer accommodation to country patients and their families,” Ms Moon’s daughter Leanne Wills said.
“Following the death of her close friend to ovarian cancer in 1999, Mum made it her mission to raise funds to raise awareness and research into the disease and the development of an early screening detection test,” Ms Wills said.
With her husband Fred, Ms Moon founded a charitable trust called RoCan (Rotary Against Ovarian Cancer) in 2003.
Ms Moon spoke at clubs, community groups and events to raise funds for RoCan, and organised dinners, fashion parades and annual bike rides, helping to raise about $1 million.
Donations from RoCan have funded research and equipment at The Royal Melbourne Hospital and The Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre.
Ms Moon received an Order of Australia medal in 2007 for her service to the community.
Ms Wills said that about three years ago, her mother realised there was a need for a Cancer Wellness Centre in the west.
RoCan began raising funds to establish the centre, and in 2018 was able to purchase land in Werribee for a future build.
Since her mother’s death, her stepfather Fred, the trust’s other supporters and Rotary clubs across the state have continued fundraising for the project.
A musical CD created in Ms Moon’s memory, with vocals by western suburbs artist Arthur Gee, has been produced to raise funds for the Cancer Wellness Centre
“We encourage everyone to support this cause and turn my mum’s vision into a reality by purchasing a CD, making a donation or help in any way they can,” Ms Wills said.
“Mum was such an inspiration. She was funny and cheeky, loving, strong, brave and determined.”
Ms Moon was the first female president of the Rotary Club of Williamstown.
She was also the club’s director of community services for 18 years and was involved in many projects including The Kokoda For Troubled Teens project in conjunction with the Victoria Police.
See trybooking.com/BJNUY to purchase the CD.
