A fund-raising walk around Lakeside has been organised by Karen Spence’s friend, Amanda Carter to support the Spence family during six-year-old Kiara’s sickness. 89383
By Bridget Scott
THE Casey and Cardinia communities have come out in support of six-year-old Kiara and her Narre Warren South family as they support her battle against brain cancer.
Close friend of the family Amanda Carter has organised a walk in Pakenham to raise funds to ease some of the financial strain on the Spence family.
‘Let’s raise it for Rara’ is a walk and picnic around Lakeside on Saturday 18 November and there will be raffles and lots of family fun.
The Berwick Springs resident wanted to help out the family and is hoping even more local businesses will donate to the cause through the Facebook group set up to raise money for the family.
“I’ve had a big response from local shops,” Ms Carter said.
Kiara bravely fought the brain cancer when was diagnosed at just 18 months of age, only for it to return earlier this year.
She has had six rounds of chemotherapy at the Royal Children’s Hospital and 36 days of radiation at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
Kiara’s mum Karen Spence said she was overwhelmed by the amount of support she had already received from both her friend and the wider community.
She said on behalf of her and her husband Garth she would like to thank Ms Carter and everyone for their support.
Ms Carter said when she heard the heartbreaking news, she decided rather than being sad, she’d do what she could to help.
“I just wanted to help rather than being a mess,” she said.
But to shine a light on the situation, Ms Spence was told last week that her daughter’s wish had been granted by the Starlight Foundation.
In a few short months, the Spence family will be flown to Sydney, where Kiara will get the chance to meet the cast and crew of Playschool.
Thrilled with the news, Ms Spence said her family wants to give Kiara the best year possible.
Ms Carter agreed saying that her aim was to raise enough so that her friend could spend a year at home with her beautiful daughter.
“My aim is to raise enough so Karen can spend a year at home,” Ms Carter said.
“So she won’t have to worry about the year of work she is missing.”
‘Lets’ Raise it for Rara’ is on 18 with check-in at 7.30am for an 8am start.
Entry fee is a gold coin donation, with T-shirts also available for $10.
All proceeds will go directly to the Spence family.
To donate or to get involved, the community is urged to join the Facebook group ‘Lets Raise it for Rara’ for more information.
