Cindy Mackenzie had an idea that no breast cancer patient living on the Sunshine Coast or their family should unnecessarily suffer spiritually, emotionally or financially throughout the period of their illness.

Cindy, a Flight Attendant with Qantas Airways and a former face of the airlines, was a devoted wife and loving mother with two young girls, a caring daughter and a compassionate fun-loving sister. She passed away on April 20, 2006 at age 39 after an eight month battle with breast cancer.

In her months of treatment for her cancer, Cindy's most cherished moments were those spent with her family and friends, especially with husband John and their little girls, Gemma and Hannah. They were extremely fortunate to have great medical and insurance coverage. John was also fortunate in that his job allowed him to take time off work to care for Cindy and their two girls. They were blessed with a network of family, friends, neighbours and school mums the gourmet angels who provided meals during her illness. Others in the community are not.

During Cindy's illness she and John met and heard of numerous young women on the Coast and some single parents - who were suffering not only from breast cancer but emotional and financial hardship as well.

It was during her own treatment that Cindy realized that while the compassion and love of family and friends was important, the practical day-to-day support made such a positive impact. It helped ease the burden they were carrying by helping to make life a little more comfortable and fun, even while Cindy was suffering so terribly.

Cindy's zest for life, her love of community, her compassion, warmth and caring nature inspired husband John and a dedicated group of friends to establish the Cindy Mackenzie Breast Cancer Foundation.

A special Sunshine Coast community initiative, the Foundation is all about making a difference to families living with breast cancer and who may be financially as well as emotionally and spiritually challenged by the illness.

The Foundation's focus goes to the very grassroots of the Sunshine Coast community providing relief and practical support including financial, emotional or advisory. The funds raised on the Coast for breast cancer assistance will be used on the Coast to ease the hardship, help families and make a difference.

March 11, 2007