Gemma Graziotti

Thank you

As October comes to an end, I just want to say a truly heartfelt thank you for all the incredible donations. I have been overwhelmed in the best way by the love, support, and kindness from every single one of you. Your encouragement has meant more to me than I can express.

I surpassed the 58kms and raised an amazing $1,600! But this journey is far from over. This cause is so deeply important to me, and I hope to continue raising awareness and funds in honour of my grandmother Jennifer, Sally and my partner Connor’s mother, Diana. It is all for you. 

Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart, for standing beside me and helping me make a difference. 

Gemma 

My why

Hi everyone, 

In my gallery I have attached photos of only some of those close to me or my family who have been affected and unfortunately lost their lives to breast cancer which is the reason behind me taking on the challenge this October. 

First is my beautiful grandmother Jennifer

Lynette. Who passed away on the 23rd January 1974 aged 35. She was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 years earlier at 33. She had 6 children between the age of 18 and 28. Paul, Joe, Louise, Lizzy my father Peter and Theresa who passed away at only 3 years old. Even though she had 5 surviving children she always did some sort of work, either at the drive- in serving in the shop or washing overalls for Roediger’s butchers where grampa Jack worked. She was born in India (Merritt) lived in London then moved to York where she stayed at wilberforce farm. Then they moved to Northam where she met my grandfather and got married at the age of 18. We will always be missing and thinking of her. 

Second is my dad’s gorgeous cousin Sally or ‘our sal’. Sally was a psychologist working in the police department and wrote a manual on how to investigate a murder and how to interview children. She was a great dancer (in those cages in clubs) a fantastic diver including teaching others and was generally into any type of physical exercise.  She had a ph’d which meant she was a doctor of psychology. Sally was diagnosed at age 32 and sadly passed away on the 22nd of February 2009 at age 35. Sally was one of 3 with one brother Tim and a sister Rachel.  She was one of those people who brightened up a room as soon as she entered. She is dearly missed everyday. 

Third is my amazing partner’s mother Diana Faraone. Diana was a beautiful wife and mother to three gorgeous children Jordan, Monique and Connor.  She was born 30th of April 1970 and the youngest of seven with 5 sisters and one brother. Though I never had the chance to meet Diana, her presence is woven into my life through the stories and memories her family share. It is clear that the love she gave and the strength she carried,  live on in the people who knew her. Through their words, I’ve been able to glimpse her kindness, her laughter, and the way she touched the lives of those around her. Diana passed away from breast cancer 20th of May 2009 at only 39 years young. She is forever missed by all those who knew her.

Thank you so much for all your donations