It’s time to get serious about brain cancer. That’s the word from brain cancer support group Peace of Mind Foundation following Gold Logie winner Carrie Bickmore’s now-iconic Beanies for Brain Cancer speech.
Bec Picone and her brother, Clinton, launched the foundation in Wyndham two years ago after Clinton lost wife Caroline to brain cancer in 2011.
It’s now Australia’s largest support organisation for brain cancer patients, and offers grants, in-home support services and a support group.
“Brain cancer does not discriminate; it can affect a nine-month-old baby or a 99-year-old man,” Ms Picone said.
“The brain cancer community feels forgotten about. It’s a cancer with the highest mortality rate, yet is one of the least funded.”
About 10 cases of brain cancer are diagnosed in Wyndham each year.
Wyndham Vale’s Alexandra Miller, 5, was diagnosed in late 2013 and given 18 months to live.
“She has now exceeded that … and her family are making the most of the time they have with her,” Ms Picone said.
