DEDICATED mum Tracy Eather has been named Face of the Redlands Relay for Life for her resilience and dedication to raising awareness of melanoma.
Ms Eather's daughter Amanda passed away from melanoma in November 2007 at the age of 25.
Ms Eather said that Amanda had used solariums and asked her mother to share her story and what she had been through to raise awareness of melanoma and the potential risks of UV exposure.
"I promised her I would be her voice and that her wish would become a legacy of education and prevention," Ms Eather said.
Redlands Relay for Life will be held at the Redlands Showgrounds on May 25 and 26.
As Face of Relay, Ms Eather will lead survivors and their carers on a lap to officially open the event which supports Cancer Council Queensland.
Ms Eather said Amanda's two-year journey began when when she noticed changes to a mole on her back.
It was a stage 2 melanoma which was excised.
"Unfortunately the cancer returned as tumours on her back and lymph nodes," Ms Eather said.
"This time the melanoma had progressed to a stage 4."
"She had the tumours removed but unfortunately the cancer kept returning - in her hip socket, her spine and her spleen."
Ms Eather said Amanda underwent radiation, had a hip replacement and reconstruction to remove the cancer in her hip and had parts of her vertebrae removed.
"She was often in excruciating pain but she endured it gracefully, determined to make it to her son's birthday and Christmas in December 2007," she said.
"Unfortunately we soon realised it was unlikely she was going to be able to make either of those occasions."
Ms Eather was again affected by cancer when her mother passed away from stomach and pancreatic cancer in 2016, the year after being diagnosed.
"Amanda, her husband and I all accessed Cancer Council Queensland's counselling services when Amanda was sick, something we all found very beneficial," Ms Eather said.
"I am very much looking forward to Redlands Relay For Life, not only to raise awareness for Cancer Council Queensland's great work but also to spread education and prevention - particularly the Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide message.
"Relay For Life is also my time to remember Amanda and now, my mum."
Cancer Council Queensland chief executive Chris McMillan said Ms Eather was passionate about raising awareness and reaching out to support locals affected by cancer.
"By joining Tracy at Redlands Relay For Life, you will give hope to all locals affected by cancer and help get one step closer to a cancer free future," Ms McMillan said.
"Relay is an event for anyone, no matter their age or ability, who is inspired to fight back against cancer and make a difference in their local community."
Relay for Life is a community fundraising initiative where teams raise money in the lead up to the event.
Team members take turns walking around the track for 18 hours to signify that cancer never sleeps.
Registration is required at least a week before the event and costs $30 per adult and $15 per child.
Visit relayforlife.org.au or call 1300 65 65 85.
For information on Cancer Council Queensland visit cancerqld.org.au or phone 13 11 20.