Alana Rushworth dreams of one day becoming a medical research scientist and finding a cure for cancer.
In the meantime, the Hoppers Crossing girl, 9, is helping her mother Jo raise money for the Cancer Council at a Biggest Morning Tea.
Alana’s passion for cancer research began three years ago, when her mum had surgery to remove tumours from her right sinus cavity.
Doctors found Ms Rushworth’s cancer after she spent six months battling ear and throat infections.
Her cancer was so rare that she had to see four doctors before she was advised to have surgery.
The operation took 10 hours, with doctors removing her cheekbone and eyesocket and using muscle from her leg and a metal plate to rebuild her face.
“The night before my surgery I gave the Cancer Council a call because I didn’t know what would happen,’’ Ms Rushworth said.
‘‘I was scared I would wake up with half my face missing.”
Now in the clear, she wants to give back to those who helped her through the ordeal.
Ms Rushworth’s tea, on May 31, will coincide with a fund-raiser being run by Shaw Thing Fitness.
Owner Trent Shaw has pledged to donate $1 for every person who attends a boxing training session in Point Cook’s Alamanda estate at 7.30am on May 31.
The class will be followed by Ms Rushworth’s morning tea.
