Friends rally

By Lia Bichel
UNTIL one year ago, Berwick resident Candice Barnett had big plans for the future.
She and her partner Jason Prodhomme were living a “normal” life with their three-year-old son Bayleigh and had discussed having a second child and building their family home.
But in May last year, her life was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer.
“I couldn’t have prepared myself for that phone call. One minute we are living life normally, the next our world gets flipped upside down,” Candice said.
“So now I am preparing myself for the best but expecting the worst.”
Doctors recently told Candice, 27, that they had exhausted the amount of treatments available in Australia, leaving her and her young family in for the fight of their lives.
The couple currently pays $600 a week for treatments. The only option left for Candice is to undergo alternate medicine and have a blood test sent overseas to see if there is other chemotherapy available – which comes at a price of more than $4000.
Her friends have rallied in support and are holding a fundraiser for Candice this weekend.
“She is a young mum with a beautiful little boy and every mother deserves the right to see their child grow up and experience life,” friend Sara Sutton said.
“Hopefully people attend the event to lend a helping hand and help create awareness for this cancer which isn’t commonly spoken about.”
Candice’s partner Jason, 31, has had to have some time off work to be by her side and help care for their son.
He said he was overwhelmed with the support.
“We are rapt. It’s a huge help. Some people willing to help we haven’t spoken to in years, some are complete strangers,” he said.
“I have taken some time off work but, unfortunately, the world doesn’t stop and the bills keep coming in.”
Candice said she was also grateful for the efforts of her friends and family.
“I have had so much support,” she said.
“Everyone’s been fantastic.”
Candice said she urged women to go for regular check-ups and trust their instincts.
She had pre-cancerous cells but had regular pap smears and several tests before her diagnosis.
“Always get a second opinion,” she said.
“If you feel something is wrong – look into it.”
The fundraiser, A Night for Candy, will be held from 7.30pm until midnight on 13 August at The Chelsea Heights Hotel.
Cost is $20 and there will be a silent auction, fundraising games, bands, a DJ and beverages.
To confirm bookings email anightfor-candy@yahoo.com or confirm attendance on the A Night for Candy Facebook page.