• Pam D’Andilly
Pam D’Andilly’s struggle with ovarian cancer could have a positive result for future sufferers of the disease.
Pam was diagnosed with ovarian cancer only three months before she died on August 25th.
Clearly, had she been diagnosed sooner, Pam would have had every chance of beating the disease.
Early diagnosis, it seems, is vital.
Pam’s husband, Brian D’Andilly, has been devastated by the death of his wife and soul mate.
He has decided, in her memory, to conduct a fund raising walk in her memory and to hold a special island information session about the disease.
The walk in memory of Pam will be held on Russell Island on Saturday, October 17, meeting between the garage and the old Post Office at 9 am.
All dogs participating in the walk can have their nails clipped for $10.00 each. 50% of all taking will be donated to Pam’s Foundation (Ovarian Cancer). The start time for walk is 10am and will end at the Community Centre, Jackson Road, Russell Island
There will be a free Sausage sizzle at the Community Centre after the walk.
The information session will be held on Saturday, October 24, at the russell Island Recreation Hall at 9am. Ovarian cancer expert Dr Sam Perea will be providing the information.
A gold coin donation would be appreciated which will go to Ovarian Cancer Australia. Light refreshments will be served.
There have been no significant improvement in Ovarian Cancer fatalities in 35 years. There is no known cure for Ovarian Cancer.
In a tribute to his 62-year-old wife, Brian D’Andilly says:” She was my soul mate. She loved the home we shared together.
“She laughed and swelled with pride watching, talking about and spending time with her grandchildren.
“Pam’s greatest wish was that we would all just walk beside her and be her friend.” Brian says.
He calls ovarian cancer The Silent Killer.
He wants island women to become more conversant with symptoms of the dreaded disease such as persistent bloating, abdominal. spinal or pelvic pain, bowel or bladder difficulties and loss of appetite.
In Pam’s case, PAP smear tests failed to be an early indicator.
It was only after full examinations and ultra sounds that the cancer was revealed.
Pam was just one of four women in Australia who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every day. Only one in four will survive.
Brian’s plea is to all men who cherish their family and friends to stand up and support their women and insist, demand further investigation and tests.
“Encourage your women to see a doctor or health specialist,” he told The Friendly Bay Islander.
“I just hope Pam’s story will encourage even just one more woman to stand up and insist on further investigation if she suspects that anything is out of the ordinary,” he s