Team Macdonald sets the pace for Mother’s Day Classic

TEAM Macdonald is leading the charge against breast cancer across Greater Geelong, the Bellarine and the Surf Coast, raising more than $1,500 for this year’s Geelong Mother’s Day Classic (MDC).

Residents will jump in with 60,000 fellow Australians in the fight against breast cancer Sunday morning as the MDC returns to Geelong’s Eastern Park.

Geelong will be one of the country’s 73 locations to host a MDC event.

Team Macdonald, led by former cancer patient and Armstrong Creek resident Marketta Macdonald, has been raising funds in a coordinated effort with other local families for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Australia’s leading advocacy body for the disease.

“In addition to our team members we have a load of support through generous donations from friends, family, work colleagues, businesses and strangers,” Ms Marketta said.

“This year, together we have raised over $1,500 thanks to our 15 team members.”

Ms Macdonald was diagnosed with cancer in 2018 with two large tumours, which had spread to her lymph nodes.

Taking on an aggressive series of chemotherapy, and other treatments such as herceptin, radiation, a trial of Nerylex, a hysterectomy, double mastectomy, weekly osteo appointments for lymphodema, and more, Ms Marketta said she felt a little bit better, a little stronger and a little more like herself each year.

“The initial 12 months from diagnosis to treatment was emotionally and physically one of the hardest things I have ever had to face.

“The MDC means something different for each of us, but like so many people we have all been negatively impacted by Breast Cancer.

“Getting the kids involved in the event is a positive fun way to help create awareness and have discussions about breast cancer from prevention to the benefits of being active and how the money we raise funds life-saving research – research that might one day save their life like it did mine.”

Following Ms Macdonald’s treatment, she has taken part in every Mother’s Day Classic since 2019. This Sunday’s event will be her fifth year doing the MDC.

Mount Duneed mother Belinda Huxhagen will take on her first Mother’s Day Classic alongside husband Rowan and son Bohdi.

“The main motivations for doing the MDC for the first time is to support Marketta of course, but also to see all the mothers together,” Ms Huxhagen said.

“It’s a chance for remembrance, but it also seems like a great bonding experience and help raise awareness for this devasting disease.”

Geelong’s Mother’s Day Classic will again take place at Eastern Park and will offer all participants a chance to tackle an 8km run (7.50am), 8km walk (8am), a 4km run (9.15am) and a 4km walk (9.20am).

For more information, head to mothersdayclassic.com.au/vic-geelong