Written & Photographed by Lahni Claridge
In raising awareness and funds for cancer research, Gail Lee Kelly and Lynne Caldwell, 72 years old, have come together to form an unbreakable bond despite their different backgrounds.
Gail’s beautiful mother passed away 22 years ago from several diagnosed cancers, and with so many of Lynne’s closest family members and friends having been affected by this terrible disease, these two incredible women have been inspired to band together and respond through multiple fundraising events such as soup days, pop-up op shops, and numerous raffles, while individually raising support through their activities.
All this wonderful work has been done outside and within the gates of Palm Lakes Lifestyle Village where Gail and Lynne reside, being met with a heart-warming amount of support from the residents with making and donating gifts, funds and simply assisting these two ladies with their journey.
After a short amount of brainstorming, Gail and Lynne started this project in March. Despite having only done it for six months, they have raised a substantial amount of over $10,000. They are overwhelmingly grateful for the deep sense of care in the community and for how quickly everyone has come together to be abundantly generous.
However, it doesn’t end there, on October 12th, morning tea will be held in the dining room of Palm Lake Resort, where Gail and Lynne will both have their heads shaved in honour of all those suffering or experiencing cancer, with Gail’s hair also being donated as a wig for a cancer patient. They will also have a man donate his beard that he has been growing out for 50 years!
This has always been something that these mature ladies have been eager to do and while sitting next to each other, just last year, watching another lady shave her head, enthused them to stand up for the cause and turn their thoughts into actions.
The insidious nature of cancer is that it pervades all aspects of life in some form, and while Gail and Lynne have not been personally touched by cancer, they have both witnessed their loved ones suffer from it. There are so many families affected that research is critical in combating this condition and bringing about positive changes in treatment, which Gail and Lynne aim to achieve with their donations.
There is a tremendous amount of work that goes into this project, and on October 12th, Gail and Lynne would be immensely grateful for the support of volunteers from the larger community such as singers/entertainers, and a makeup artist to give these two ladies a makeover after having their hair shaved, and the hope that people will donate food for lunch.
There is so much awe for the incredible things these ladies are doing, and not only does it bring a touch of humanity into everyone’s lives, but nothing gives more hope than witnessing the incredible support of so many individuals surrounding these two remarkable women, which only continues to grow.