Sharon Mason has danced for joy, for her culture and, now, for a cure for cancer.
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Once upon a time we were all having meals together
- Sharon Mason
The Narooma member of the Djaadjawan Dancers will take the love she holds for her uncle Douglas Mason onto the dance floor at a special event on November 26.
She has been chosen for the NSW Cancer Council’s fundraiser, Stars of the Eurobodalla Dance for Cancer.
The council is matching teachers with “stars” who will spend the next two months learning their roles for the big night at the Tomakin Sports & Social Club.
At the launch on Friday, Ms Mason did not yet know if she would be dancing or teaching someone else over the next eight weeks. What she did know was that it had been heartbreaking to watch Mr Mason struggle with the cancer that began as a lump in his neck.
“Being very close to him and seeing the struggle with family support and not being able to be at the hospital with him” was tough, she said.
“He does not have a wife; he raised his 16-year-old boy on his own; he is 60-odd years of age,” she said.
“It is daunting to know that once upon a time we were all having meals together and now he has to get fed through a tube. It is pretty sad.
“Being Aboriginal, they are quite strong and just go about their business; they do not complain.
“Watching him deteriorate is pretty sad.”
That Mr Mason had to undergo treatment in Canberra made it even harder for him and his family.
The Cancer Council provides support for patients and families facing cancer, including help getting to and from appointments.
Ms Mason will join others such as Katie Loader and Rachael Rogan in the project.
Ms Rogan described herself as a ‘dancer before cancer’.
Visit the Stars of the Eurobodalla Dance for Cancer Facebook page.