Toowoomba Hospital’s Cancer and Oncology Unit is now home to two brand new Princess Chairs thanks to the generosity and big heart of Pittsworth mum Venessa Cronin, who shaved her hair for cancer raising more than $5300 earlier this year.
The Mobile Air Pressure Chairs (aka Princess Chairs) help patients going through treatment, terminally ill or nearing the end of their life by providing comfortable seating options and mobility, especially for those who spend extended periods sitting or lying. Toowoomba Hospital Foundation CEO Alison Kennedy said the incredible fundraising efforts by Venessa has helped to bring relief to cancer patients and their families. “When Venessa approached us with her donation of $5,300, we were just completely lost for words at her generosity — and trust me that doesn’t happen very often!” Alison said. “We couldn’t believe this amazing fundraising effort came from one person, it was just absolutely amazing! Thank you to Venessa and her family for opening their hearts and giving this wonderful gift to our region’s cancer patients.”
Venessa said giving back locally was extremely important and thanked the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation for inviting her to the Toowoomba Hospital to see her donation at work on the ward. “Shaving my hair and donating my funds to the Foundation was a way that I could feel like I was really helping locals,” Venessa said. “I could see the money was actually going towards helping people I know or people that I know have family or friends using the services at the cancer unit.”
Whilst Venessa has not had cancer directly affect her or her immediate family, she says this whole experience has been really rewarding. “Just to know that what I’ve fundraised is going towards equipment that will be well-used and help a lot of people is great.”
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