Event funds battle

Rockingham community members came together to sweat it out for a cause this month, raising money for a Secret Harbour woman with cancer.

More than 30 people exercised on March 14 to help support Jacqueline Smith, who is battling a rare form of cancer, fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma.

The 21-year-old was diagnosed with the rare liver cancer, primarily found in teens and young adults, in July last year.

Jacqueline was too unwell to attend the event, but family and friends took part and shared her story to raise awareness.

Jacqueline’s sister Kimberley Smith said her little sister had fought many battles including a car accident at age three, on-going dental problems and learning difficulties, but cancer was her “toughest challenge yet”.

“It was a massive shock for the family, but we are all staying positive,” she said.

Miss Smith said her sister was having chemotherapy for the fourth time and radiation to fight cancerous tumours on her liver, next to her heart and through her lungs.

Miss Smith said, only last month, Jacqueline was told she had four weeks to live, but surgery on tumours in the lymph nodes, which were pushing on her stomach, and the removal of her spleen had kept her going.

Jacqueline’s mother Nicky Smith said it was hard to see her daughter, who was a happy young, fit woman, have to go through so much.

Advanced Fitness owner Hayden Dodson, who organised the day, said he was a friend of the family and was happy to help in any way he could.

Mrs Smith said the effort from the community was incredible and the family would be eternally grateful.

The family has raised $7230 so far.

To contribute to the cause search www.mycause.com.au/page/66406/.