A 23-YEAR-OLD student with ovarian cancer was guest speaker at the Cancer Council Queensland’s Redlands Volunteer Branch Mother’s Day Morning Tea on Wednesday.
Nearly three years ago, Kristen Larsen, of Brisbane, was living in London when she discovered she had stage three ovarian cancer.
Having experienced stomach pains, she was initially diagnosed with appendicitis.
During surgery, doctors found tumours on her ovaries and abdomen and alongside her bowel and liver.
Ms Larsen underwent an 11-hour operation to remove the tumours and four rounds of chemotherapy.
After a stint working in Canada, she returned to Australia and discovered during check-up tests last June that the cancer had returned.
The annual Mother’s Day Morning Tea hosted by the Redlands Volunteer Branch was held at Renaissance Retirement Living in Victoria Point.
The official Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is on Thursday, May 26, but hosts can hold morning teas anytime during May or June.
Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift said every cup counted in the fight against cancer.
“Supporting Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is an easy, fun and delicious way that we can work together to help beat cancer,” she said.
“All funds raised enable Cancer Council Queensland to continue driving much-needed funds into cancer research, prevention and local support programs.”
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is supported by more than a million people nationally.
Cancer Council Queensland hopes to raise $2.8 million for their work in cancer control.
To host an Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea event, or find out more, visit www.biggestmorningtea.com.au or phone 1300 65 65 85.
