Cancer Council SA Ambassador Sophie Hughes knows all too well how a cancer diagnosis can change lives.
Saturday December 7 is National Patio Day to celebrate with family, friends and loved ones under your patio. Celebrate the first day of Summer in style while raising vital funds and awareness for Cancer Council.
After Sarah lost her mother to breast cancer, brother to pancreatic cancer and see her husband diagnosed with prostate cancer, Sophie thought her cancer story would end there - but it didn't.
Sophie's son Sam was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma after discovering a strange mole at the back of his head. Sam is not alone with 2 in 3 Australians being diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70, with a staggering 800 new cases of melanoma in South Australia every year.
After bravely undergoing treatment Sam sadly lost his life at the age of just 38 years, leaving behind his mum, wife and young son Cole.
“While the pain and grief is overwhelming Sam passing gave me a new sense of purpose”.
“By telling Sam’s story I want to educate people on the risks of skin cancer and just how much damage the sun can do, and more importantly, how skin cancer can be prevented. By protecting ourselves and our loved ones, we can save lives and prevent heartache in loved ones left behind,” she said.
“Before Sam was diagnosed, we didn’t really know much about melanoma. We thought it was ‘just skin cancer’. It shouldn’t take the diagnosis of someone close to you to spark an interest in and passion about health and cancer prevention,” she said.
“While in general we’re seeing a positive shift in younger generations being more and more SunSmart, there’s still a lack of understanding amongst the wider community about melanoma and skin cancer.”
“That’s why events like National Patio Day are so important—the more awareness and money we can raise, the more lives we’ll save,” she said.
Join Sophie this National Patio Day by registering to host an event and support those impacted by cancer. All the money raised will go towards those Australians battling cancer and raise vital funds for raising awareness on sun safety this Summer.
How To Support Cancer Council this National Patio Day:
Get A Free Patio Quote
Over many decades, Stratco Outback Patios have provided vital shade to hundreds of thousands of families so that they can enjoy our iconic Australian summer. Stratco will be donating a minimum of $50 for every patio sold until November 30* to Cancer Council. Purchase your Stratco Patio now and have it in time to host your own event for National Patio Day.
Register Your Event To WIN And Get Your Free Host Pack*
By hosting an event, you will not only support Australians impacted by cancer, but you will be educating your family and friends on the importance of sun protection. Every $50 you raise provides an additional entry to win either a Hafele Alfresco Kitchen valued at $5,000, or one of seven $500 Stratco gift cards*. You will also receive a free National Patio Day host pack when you register your National Patio Day event.
Share Your Plans To WIN*
Let us know what your plans are for National Patio Day and go in the draw to win great prizes, including a Beefeater Bugg BBQ valued at $699! Enter by commenting on the competition post at Facebook or Instagram.
Add The National Patio Day Facebook Frame To Your profile
By adding the National Patio Day frame to your Facebook profile picture, you will be helping raise awareness for Australians impacted by cancer.
For more information, or to register visit nationalpatioday.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85 to receive your free National Patio Day host kit.
*See full terms and conditions for National Patio Day promotions.