Ten years ago I was going through some very difficult personal situation with my mother (we are too alike but yet so different. For anyone who knows me – knows that) , as if being a teenager was not hard enough eh. Close friends of mine were all aware of the situation and even helped me “run away”.... the sort of running away where you say you will but you only go as far as hiding in one of your best friend’s house!  I recall my friend saying “you’re free”, as free as I can be during the day with the understanding that I would eventually have to return to my own house.  Like teenagers I was being stubborn (although I’m pretty sure I’m still stubborn now) managed to prolong going back, even if it was only for a few days. My friend’s mother (I like to call her Mother Whitbread) decided to introduce me to a friend of hers – Sue Collins, she has either changed jobs or I wasn’t really paying attention at the time but I thought Sue worked for Social Services. My friend and Mother Whitbread left me to have a chat with Sue. Sometimes it easier to speak to a stranger than someone you know.  Sue sat me down and for the first time in what felt like a very long time I could finally speak to an adult who heard, listened and empathised with me.  I felt like weights were taken off my shoulders. The conversation didn’t help with my plans of “running away”. I went back eventually and just waited for the 4 months or so of turning Sweet 16.... and then I was free to face the big bad world, and its even bigger when you are as short as me.

 I will always remember that day, as it was the day Sue made a difference in my life – whether she knew it or not. The world is simply a better place with all the likes of Sue Collins in it.

Sue is a beautiful, kind, loyal, generous, wonderful human being. Sue is always smiling, no matter what life throws at her. I recently met up with Sue and explained my plans of trekking Costa Rica and fundraising for cancer charities to show my support for her, her family and friends through this difficult time. We were making notes about fund raising and she told me a little bit more about her cancer. However in true Marie Mendoza form – it would seem I have lost my notes. For anyone who knows me – knows I lose everything, it would seem this is no exception.

Sue was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2001 She eventually got the all clear. Unfortunately in March 2010 Sue was diagnosed with cancer again, and this time round it spread to her lungs and bones. She has been told by the doctors that she will be on medications for the rest of her life. Sometimes the medication makes her feel very sick and weak but yet this amazing woman is still smiling through this, and her belief in God is as strong as ever. Now I know some of my friends are not religious, but sometimes all we need is a little faith.

Ever heard the story: The boy and the star fish? – Let me tell you – “A man was walking along a deserted beach at sunset. As he walked he could see a young boy in the distance, as he drew nearer he noticed that the boy kept bending down, picking something up and throwing it into the water. Time and again he kept hurling things into the ocean. As the man approached even closer, he was able to see that the boy was picking up starfish that had been washed up on the beach and, one at a time he was throwing them back into the water. The man asked the boy what he was doing, the boy replied," I am throwing these washed up starfish back into the ocean, or else they will die through lack of oxygen. "But", said the man, "You can't possibly save them all, there are thousands on this beach, and this must be happening on hundreds of beaches along the coast. You can't possibly make a difference." The boy smiled, bent down and picked up another starfish, and as he threw it back into the sea, he replied “Made a difference to that one”.

 Sue Collins made a difference to me, and now I would like to say thank you and try to make a difference to someone else too. So I am trekking the tropical rainforest in Costa Rica in honour of Sue. I will be paying for the actual trek myself and all the money I raise go towards The Association for International Cancer Research.  Sue is very passionate about helping to find the cure for cancer. With AICR - I like the idea that the world is working together to beat cancer. So please help me raise money for this charity so they can continue with their outstanding work. Please remember every little helps and all of your donations will go to the charity. Together we can all help make a difference.

 

Thank you