Local Mum raises more than $130k for Breast Cancer

Nikita Falconer was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer last year at age 32.

The mum of two young girls underwent a number of operations before she was able to start on chemotherapy at the Forbes Cancer Care Centre, located at St Stephen's Hospital.

“Once I started my chemotherapy treatment, I was however lucky enough to be one of two people that were able to use the only cold cap machine in the Wide Bay region for the twelve rounds of weekly chemotherapy.”

Cold caps and scalp cooling systems can help women keep some, or quite a bit, of their hair during chemotherapy treatment that can cause hair loss.

“The cold cap I used was like a tightly fitting helmet. It was filled with a cold gel or liquid that you wear during chemotherapy infusions.”

When Nikita learned that there were just two cold caps in the entire Wide Bay region, she sprung into action with a vision to raise the $40,000 required to purchase a second machine.

“I did a pink ribbon morning tea in my front yard last year and that raised $8,000. I then set about organising a dinner called ‘Cap for Chemo’, and it just went crazy.”

The event was held at The Beach House on May 20th, and the 260 tickets sold out almost immediately.

“I could have sold it out twice. The community support was simply overwhelming.”

The event raised a staggering $137,372.

“This will be more than enough to supply a new cold cap machine for the Forbes Cancer Care Centre and the balance of the funds will go into other essential equipment for this local facility.”

“There was an anonymous donor there on the night who was prepared to top up whatever fundraising money we needed to buy the cold cap machine, if we fell short. They didn’t need to do that, but still made a personal donation of $22,000.”

When asked if she would make this an annual event, Nikita was very proud of her achievements but pragmatic about making it an annual event.

“I personally wouldn’t do it again myself, simply due to the time required. But I would love to be involved, support and attend if a group or someone else wants to keep it going.”