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Cancer

Mr MATT KEAN (Hornsby) [6.02 p.m.]: Tonight I speak of an issue that is close to the hearts of many members in this place: cancer. On 21 October 2012 I was privileged to attend and speak at the closing ceremony of the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Relay for Life. That event, which was held at Rofe Park, Hornsby Heights, and attended by over 1,000 local residents, was one of 23 such events organised by Cancer Council NSW to raise much-needed funds for the organisation's projects and services.

The Relay for Life initiative brings members from across the globe together in the battle to prevent cancer. Every dollar raised through Relay for Life events takes us one step closer to beating this insidious disease. Cancer is one of the most significant health issues that people worldwide face. Although State and Federal governments are investing millions and millions of dollars in research and preventative initiatives, it is the demonstration by local communities to willingly address this issue that excites me. And that is what I saw at Hornsby Heights a couple of weeks ago. Cancer does not discriminate. It does not matter if you are young or old, male or female, black or white or Catholic or Protestant. Anyone of us can be affected by it at any time in our lives.

This year I was touched first-hand by cancer. My father was diagnosed with prostate cancer. My father is a 60-year-old male who never drank or smoked, is fit and otherwise healthy. My story is not exclusive: so many families have been in my position. We were shocked when we got the news that dad had cancer. There is so much emotion attached to it. Dad's cancer was very aggressive but through early detection and advances in modern medical science he is now cancer free. But 20 years ago he would have been a life sentence. It is because of the efforts of communities that come together and participate in events such as Relay for Life and raise much-needed funds that I am able to share that wonderful story with the House. I hope to be a member of this place for a very long time. In that time, through the fund-raising efforts of initiatives of Relay for Life and the work of governments at all levels, regardless of political persuasion, we will be able to treat cancer as the we treat the flu. It is my hope that we will be able to take a tablet, have a day off and come back to work cancer free. The community as a whole should be working towards that.

The Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Relay for Life raised $147,000 in much-needed funds to combat this terrible disease. So many people participated at this event but a couple of them deserve special recognition. Richard Hodge of Hornsby Heights is a great friend of mine. Earlier this year Richard's mother was diagnosed with leukaemia and Richard, in support of his mum and the battle she is going through, put himself through the gruelling exercise of walking the 24 hours. He raised a lot of money, as did Garry Spence from the Hornsby RSL. The Hornsby RSL Club also raised a substantial amount of money for this great initiative and I thank the club. Cancer Council NSW was very supportive as well. I also thank Peter Bright, one of our local organisers, for making the day such a wonderful success. Without the example set by these people our goal would not have been achievable. It is my hope that through initiatives such as Relay for Life and the work of governments at all levels, regardless of political persuasion, together we will combat and defeat this insidious disease.

Read the full Hansard transcript here.