Olga Zampedri is honouring her mother's legacy by including a gift in her Will to Cancer Council WA, helping fund vital cancer research and support services.
Anna Maria's Story
Olga remembers how scared she felt upon learning that her mother, Anna Maria, had been diagnosed with cancer. In 1970, 64-year-old Anna Maria had been experiencing unusual symptoms, including difficulty with bowel movements, prompting her to book a doctor's appointment.
"By the time she went to the doctor, he said she needed to go straight to the hospital," Olga recalls. "She was operated on, and they took away one of her ovaries. I was very scared for her".
Anna Maria underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and treatment of the "Tronado machine" – a device used at the time but now discontinued due to a lack of scientific validation. After five years, she was given the news she was cancer-free and went on to live a fulfilling life until her passing in 1992 at the age of 84.
Olga's hopes for future research
Olga's mother's story and recovery inspired her to support cancer research and services. Over the years, Olga and her late husband Adelio made regular donations to Cancer Council WA, and now, she has taken an even greater step by including a gift in her Will.
"I believe in what Cancer Council WA is doing," she says. "Researchers are able to do their work because of our donations. It's very important for me to keep giving to help other people and support cancer research at Cancer Council WA so they can help many more people in the future.
She adds, "I can only say that I think it is a fantastic organisation. There are so many people who work and volunteer their time to make a difference."
As a community-funded organisation, Cancer Council WA rely on donations and support from West Australians like Olga. By leaving a gift in her Will, Olga is not only honouring her mother's memory, she is also creating a legacy of hope for future generations. Her support will ensure that vital cancer research and support services can continue, helping more families experience the kind of recovery her mother had.
If you would like to learn more about leaving a gift in your Will to Cancer Council WA, visit https://cancerwa.asn.au/get-involved/leave-a-gift-in-your-will/.
