It’s been a long journey to recovery for breast cancer survivor Joanie Rix.
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The mother of four, says even a decade later, the effects of her battle with the disease are still as raw as ever.
It’s for this reason, Ms Rix wants to fight for a cure.
And, she’s decided to do it, 10 cents at time.
Ms Rix's grass-roots campaign, “Ten years, is worth more than ten cents,” involves collecting a decade worth of 10 cent coins with the intention of donating them to the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute in 2026.
The idea is one close to the heart of Ms Rix, who solely raised more than $2000, over five years through a similar fundraiser she undertook when she reached her five year remission milestone.
Over the five years, she collected more than 40,000 five cent coins from across Ballarat, with all the funds going directly to cancer research.
This Wednesday, marks ten years since she was diagnosed with cancer.
It also marks her 51st birthday.
“I was diagnosed with cancer on my birthday,” Ms Rix said.
“It was an incredibly devastating day, which completely change the life of myself and my family. The first year was horrendous. The second year I accepted it. By the third year I was determined to beat the disease and do something to help others fighting the same battle.”
Although Ms Rix was told by specialists the type of cancer she had with was not hereditary, her sister, aunty, great grandmother and great aunt have all been been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Her sister was diagnosed with the disease just three years ago and recently went into remission.
“The message I want to get out there is that it can touch anyone,” Ms Rix said. “I would all urge all women to regularly check their breasts and go to the doctors if they feel that something is wrong.”
Ms Rix said her diagnosis profoundly changed her outlook on life.
“It completely changed me and gave me a deeper insight into how I wanted my life to be,” Ms Rix said. “I’m grateful to wake up every morning. Life is just too short, you have to make the most of every moment and every day that you’re alive.”
To donate to Ms Rix’s cause you can drop any spare change off at Des Rix Homes, 124 Armstrong Street North, Ballarat.
