ACRF regular giver – Juanita Stockwell

Following the untimely death of her mother to cancer, loyal Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) supporter and regular giver Juanita Stockwell is passionate when it comes to advocating the importance of cancer research and does not pull any punches when describing what she thinks of the disease.

“It sucks big time,” she said recently after recalling the arduous journey her beloved mother Jean went through.

“Mum was my best friend, more like my sister,” she said

“She was only 70 when she died which I think is too young. The memory of her battle with cancer sticks with me.”

Mrs Stockwell said her mother planned her own funeral before she died and insisted that family and friends donate to cancer research in lieu of flowers.

“I know a lot of her friends and relatives made considerable donations because of this,” Mrs Stockwell said.

As Mrs Stockwell laments the loss of her mother, she also reminds us of the need to rid this disease for future generations by supporting cancer research that makes a difference:

“I often think that if every family in Australia made a small contribution to the ACRF every month as we do the world would be a much better place.”

Mrs Stockwell said after her mother’s countless cancer treatments, she was actually given the all clear from all forms of cancer by her doctors; however shortly after, was again diagnosed with cancer.

Sadly, Juanita Stockwell’s mother died in October 2000, aged 70.

“Mum was such an active person. She loved going to the opera, all the free music events over the summer months and the theatre.”

“I was lucky to have Mum move down from Queensland to live in the same street as me for the last ten years of her life, she was a wonderful grandmother to my daughter.”

The team at the Australian Cancer Research Foundation is very grateful to Juanita Stockwell for the ongoing generosity in memory of her beloved mum, The Late Jean Ellen Cheetham. Her regular contribution to cancer research is moving us ever closer to realising the dream of a future free of cancer.