So here’s the drill.
Every year, around this time in May, I post a story about The Longest Table and why I’m involved, and will continue to be involved until the day they no longer want me.
And, in a nut shell, this is why…
Mum was diagnosed 12 years ago with breast cancer, BUT because of early detection it was caught in situ.
Mum had a lumpectomy and has since been cancer free. Her diagnosis was a total shock to us all, as breast cancer has never been in her family. It was also a timely reminder to my sisters’ and I that we need to keep our boobies in check.
My brother-in-law Mark had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
He wasn’t so lucky with the early detection side of things. Rocky was stage 4, he and my sister were prepared for the worst, but through some kind of miracle, Marko fought through treatment and survived. He was young, physically fit and f**king lucky. They now have a beautiful son, my nephew Van, who turns 1 on Sunday.
My cousin Paul is a different story.
He died 3 years ago after a four year battle with lung cancer.
Paul was special. Out of 13 cousins, he was the only male. I know, right!?
And look, those who know me know, that I am seriously loud and just a tiny bit loco… My mother’s side of the family are all EXACTLY like me.
He had a lot to cope with at family functions surrounded by his crazy boisterous cousins and aunties, poor man! Paul will be forever missed, and he left a void in our family and the hearts of his sister, parents, partner and nephews that will never be filled.
And, let me tell you yet another devastating tale…
Once upon a time, back in the 80’s, my husband’s beautiful mum Dawn was diagnosed with a very rare blood disease called Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, or PNH for short.
PNH sufferers are treated as leukaemia patients, and during her illness Dawn had several transfusions and bone marrow transplants, but in the end the disease cruelly took her life. She was 34, and my husband Cory was 7. Today, through research into leukaemia treatments and blood cancers, her fate would likely have been very different.
I have even more stories, of more people dear to me, and more people dear to them…
And unfortunately, my family is not unique.
Every single Australian has an identical, if not worse history of their own.
1 in 2 Australian men, and 1 in 3 Australian women will be diagnosed with Cancer in their lifetimes.
I have two older sisters, statistically one of us will get cancer.
But, history can be left in the past; our future is still there to be written.
We can change these statistics. We can also change the fatality rates too. Cancer isn’t always the death sentence it once was.
Through research – the exact research The Longest Table supports, doctors and scientists at the Basil Hetzel Institute are making breakthroughs and creating a better world, every single day for all Australian’s.
Better treatments, earlier detections, better chances of survival, for not only breast and prostate cancer, but for all cancers.
My mum and brother are here today because of lifesaving cancer research. My cousin and mother-in-law are not, but we can change the future for others. Research SAVES LIVES.
So in the interest of keeping this post concise and to the point… I’m gonna cut to the chase.
WE NEED YOU!
Yes, YOU!
Help us help everyone.
Over the months of June and July, get together with a group of your loved ones and host a Longest Table. It can be as decadent or as simple as you like.
Heston inspired degustation?
Or, burgers and beer with the boys…
Or if you’d rather let someone else do all the cooking while you drink, eat and just be merry? On June 18 (the official TLT date) get a group of your favourite fun lovin’ criminals together, and come to our longest table!
I’m co-hosting the flagship TLT event with my fellow ambassadors – all of whom have a story of their own, and trust me, you will want to be there when you cop a gander of the planned festivities…
Go to https://www.thelongesttable.com.au/table/ambassador-dinner/ to check it out and get yourself some tickets, but basically here’s the lowdown;
My fellow TLT Ambassadors and I invite you to join us for the ultimate three-course Moroccan feast showcasing some of SA’s best produce at the incredible venue, the Published Arthouse.
Enjoy the official beer of the Longest Table – the FORK YEAH along with a range of Big Shed Brewing Co. cider and beers as well as wines by Howard Vineyard and a delicious welcome cocktail by Steve The Bartender. Live entertainment and an awesome live auction… And, all of this amazingness is only a $100.00 donation per guest, with 100% of the ticket sales going directly to the Longest Table and its beneficiaries!!!
Uh, huh, a grand night in, or a grand night out with unreal food, booze and entertainment and you are totally helping humanity at the same time.
So, what are you waiting for?
Join us, or host one yourself, but either way get on board and help us to say “FORK YOU!” and give cancer the gigantic middle finger.
United we dine!
Bree xxx
For more information about The Longest Table please go to the following link; https://www.thelongesttable.com.au/
For more information about our flagship event and to buy tickets, please go to the following link; https://www.thelongesttable.com.au/table/ambassador-dinner/
To see exactly what TLT fundraising supports, please go to the following link; https://www.thelongesttable.com.au/about/how-youre-helping/
To meet a bunch of living legends, my fellow TLT ambassadors, please go to the following link; https://www.thelongesttable.com.au/about/our-ambassadors/
For more information about the Basil Hetzel Institute please go to the following link; http://www.basilhetzelinstitute.com.au/
2 comments 
Deb stump said on June 9, 2016 lovey blog Bree, bought a tear to my eye. xxxx 
Bree May said on June 14, 2016 I love you too cuz XXXX