This is usually about that very simple but infinitely true edict that prevention is better than cure.

Healthy diets, avoiding sugar and salt where possible, cutting your alcohol intake, giving up smoking or embarking on an exercise program that does not need to be rigorous – just regular, such as half-hour walks around the block a few days a week.

These are ways we can create paths to a healthier lifestyle and the benefits this brings. That is, we feel better, more energetic and better equipped to help our bodies stave off infection or other illnesses.

This provides major benefits to us all.

And in today’s climate, it goes some way to alleviating the escalating costs of our public health system, one that can barely keep pace with demand.

But even the best of intentions is not necessarily enough.

Prevention’s fine of course, but often our ailments are far more serious and simply beyond our control regardless of our healthy a lifestyle we lead.

It is where the fight continues to find cures for illnesses that wreak havoc across our community.

Border doctor Alfeen Varghese can speak from personal experience in her role as a GP with Wodonga’s Daintree Medical Centre.

And she tells a simple, heartbreaking story to illustrate how there is so much to be done.

In highlighting efforts to raise money for the Border Ovarian Cancer Awareness Group, Dr Varghese has spoken about one patient in particular. This was a woman who was diagnosed with the cancer while pregnant with her third child, who died not long after the baby arrived.

As she says: “It’s really hard to see her husband come in with the three kids. It’s probably one of the most traumatic patient experiences I’ve had.”

But this is where the wider community can play its part.

Dr Varghese is fully committed to the cause, having already raised half of her $3000 goal, and will continue the job as part of the group’s skydive event to take place on Saturday.

We commend Dr Varghese and the group for their outstanding efforts and would urge everyone who can help to do just that.

Every dollar is another small step to finding a cure.