Community rallies to support Eden's life threatening cancer
Local Fundraiser
At only 36 years of age, Wonga Beach local Eden Pitt has recently been diagnosed with bowel cancer. To support him and his young family, the community is coming together to organise a fundraiser at the Post Office Hotel in Mossman on February 20.
With the fundraiser, the community hopes to raise enough money so that Eden, his wife Jazmine and their two little girls Scarlett (1) and Ella (3) can breathe a little and focus on loving and living.
Eden Pitt, who is well-known in the community as a postie in Wonga Beach, is currently in Cairns Hospital recovering from his second round of surgery. He is facing a lengthy recovery battle, including chemotherapy.
Cheyne Sellwood, cousin of Eden Pitt, said that they are not only organising a fundraiser to support the young family, but also to raise awareness about cancer.
“Age isn’t a factor when it comes to cancer”, Ms Sellwood said. “Being so young, getting cancer is the last thing you would expect.”
Mr Pitt said that he ignored the signs for quite some time, putting off going to see a doctor. “With work and taking care of a young family life gets in the way”, he said.
When he was already in a lot of pain, Mr Pitt finally went to see a doctor. “I want to make people aware that it is important to be ahead of things, even when you feel completely fine.
“After I was diagnosed I immediately rang all my mates to tell them to go and get a test done. It doesn’t take much time and it is basically just a package you get in the mail, all you have to do is send it back.”
Shaving heads to show support
Mr Pitt said that many other people are involved in organising the fundraiser at the Post Office Hotel in Mossman on February 20.
“Especially Jo Black, a close friend, is the driving factor behind the fundraiser”, Mr Pitt said. “I have no words for all the support we’re receiving throughout the community, I am very grateful.”
Jo Black said that, as a close family friend, she felt the need to do something. Having a lot of experience in fundraising, she decided to set up a GoFundMe Page. She did this together with Marilyn Baxter, who also knows the family well.
“When we heard about Eden’s illness, Marilyn and I decided to do whatever we could do to help him and his family to get through this.”
Ms Black and Ms Baxter also started contacting local businesses. “Many of them have donated prizes, such as food vouchers from local restaurants and a 3 night stay from one of the accommodation providers. People can win this by entering the raffles on February 20.”
Ms Sellwood said that she hopes that Eden will feel well enough to attend the fundraiser. “To show their support, a couple of people will shave their heads together with Eden, as his hair will fall out due to the chemo”, she said. “The highest bidder will be allowed to shave Eden’s head.”
Community guy
“Everyone in the community knows Eden”, Ms Sellwood said. “It is not only affecting Eden and his family, it is also touching a lot of other families in the community. Even people who we don’t personally know.
“So many people open up their hearts and thanks to that we have already raised more than $7000.
“All the money we’re raising is going to help him and his family along the way. With the two little girls we don’t want Jasmine to have to work during these tough times. We’re trying to get her to stay home to get some normality for the girls.”
To help Eden and his family during these tough times you can donate directly here. For more information about the fundraiser at the Post Office Hotel in Mossman on February 20, you can contact Cheyne Sellwood at 0439 886 702.