From the minute Regan Lions was diagnosed with breast cancer, the Howlong community was there to offer support.
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It hasnt been just friends but strangers I cant go down the street without someone stopping me to ask what they can do to help, Mrs Lions said.
Ive had people delivering food, coming to do chores, driving me to appointments and looking after my kids.
Without it, I dont know where wed be wed be here and fighting, but theyve just made it so much easier.
Mrs Lions was diagnosed in February and found out later that month the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes.
I was raced into surgery the next week, where I had a full mastectomy, she said.
Now I have six months of chemotherapy, two years of hormone therapy and hopefully a reconstruction.
Im two months into chemo in Albury thank God for the cancer centre.
Im still back and forth between here in Melbourne until Ive been completely cleared, and it does add up.
While the Lions family was dealing with the chaos of the past two months, Howlong Golf Resort staff and colleagues of Mrs Lions mother-in-law Ellen were hatching a plan to help.
General manager Chris Rebbechi was approached about holding a charity tournament for the family and quickly got the wheels in motion.
Regan used to work here casually and Ellen has been working here for 20-odd years, he said.
The familys a big part of the Howlong community.
Mr Rebbechi said the tournament was sold out weeks in advance with a maximum field of 120 taking part today.
When a small community like this have something happen like what Regans going through, everyone gets together, he said.
We have 100 pink ladies on the course that were all handmade by the mens shed, the local bakery has made pink break for sausages in pink bread everyones made a contribution.
I think well raise well over 10,000.
An emotional Mrs Lions extended a huge thank you to all the people who have supported her family, but wanted to share another message as well.
Absolutely get yourself checked I didnt find lumps, and it doesnt matter your age, she said.
This is the third time for our family and hopefully the last.
Its something I wouldnt want anyone to go through.
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