Reminder that just one person can make world of difference

In 2006, Ms Peterkin became the first McGrath Lambert breast care nurse to be appointed in regional Australia.

In that role she has been a friend to many, as well as a counsellor, a comedian, and an ever-reliable confidant. 

She spends much of her time sitting with patients in the chemotherapy ward at Albury Hospital, offering her support and responding with honesty to their questions.

Wodonga woman Anne Lister says Ms Peterkin always manages to make her smile, even on the dark days.

Ms Peterkin was waiting outside the surgeon’s room when Ms Lister was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011. And she was there again after the diagnosis of secondary cancer which has been deemed terminal.

For Ms Lister, Ms Peterkin has been an unwavering support.

“And I know in the end, she will be there,” she says of the nurse.

Corowa’s Kay Blakeley knows all too well just how aggressive breast cancer can be after losing her best friend a decade ago.

Her determination to honour her friend and help others have seen her raise nearly $50,000 for the McGrath Foundation in eight years.

The money she has raised goes directly to help fund the McGrath Lambert breast care nurses.

 Chief of the McGrath Foundation Petra Buchanan described the efforts of Ms Blakeley as magnificent.

She rightly points out that it is a good example of just how much impact one person can have.

This year in Australia, 15,600 women and 145 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

With those sorts of numbers, there will never be enough breast care nurses, there will never be enough of the Jude Peterkins of the world.

But with incredible fundraising efforts by the likes of Ms Blakeely, it goes to show one person can make quite a difference.

We all get a chance to make that difference – at least for a day – later this month, when the Border Relay for Life takes place.

The goal is $400,000 and if past efforts are any guide, the good people of the Border will make that happen.