Best friends in cancer fight

By Danielle Galvin
Sophie Williamson has been best friends with Michelle from Mentone for 39 years, after they met in primary school.
On Wednesday 21 September, Sophie will light a white lantern to reflect on her battle with cancer at the Leukaemia Foundation’s Light the Night event in Melbourne.
“It’s a night to raise awareness of people living with cancer. There are events happening across Australia,” Sophie said.
Both of the cancer survivors are single parents with three children.
“The night gets people together, to remind them they are not alone,” she said.
In April 2009, Michelle was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome.
Just three months after Michelle received her heart-breaking news, Sophie was diagnosed with cervical cancer.
“They decided to leave the ovaries when I had the hysterectomy, because there wasn’t any need to take them out,” she said.
Sophie would soon learn the cancer had spread to her ovaries.
After countless surgeries, treatment and painful procedures, both of the women were put in remission in April of this year and given the all-clear.
In November last year, the dynamic duo shaved their heads.
“I told Michelle next time that I’ll give her a leg or a kidney – I’m still waiting for my hair to grow back!” she said.
Looking back on the last two years, Sophie says her friendship with her oldest friend was stronger than ever.
“It was great having someone there. It was tough, because I had to watch what I told her,” she said.
The Light the Night event in September reminds Sophie how lucky she is.
“I took my kids on a tour of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre where I had treatment to show them that there are always people worse off than you.”
To sponsor Sophie, call the Leaukaemia Foundation on 1800 500 088 or visit www.lightthenight.org.au