Community
25 May, 2022
Hugs And Kisses Help Mum
YOUNG MATILDA Barnes has been helping her mum fight against a horrible disease with hugs and kisses.
When Pamela Campusano Vallejos, was diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer, she was concerned how her young daughter would cope.
“We were very honest with Matilda from day one. We told her, it’s a terrible disease, but we can fight it. We told her that cancer hates kisses and hugs. We said every time she gave me kisses and hugs, that she was helping me to fight cancer. She took it very seriously!,” Pamela said.
Worried that her daughter could be adversely affected, she was relieved when staff at St Joseph’s School in Paramatta Park, agreed to monitor Matilda for any signs of stress.
But the brave mum, armed with lots of hugs and kisses, still wanted to ensure the youngster had enough help and resources. When Pamela’s cancer nurse told her about the Camp Quality school program, she worked with St Joseph’s School to arrange for the Camp Quality Puppets to visit.
In support of the event, the school hosted a casual-dress day to raise funds for the charity.
The puppets presented a fun, interactive and educational show to dispel myths about cancer and help create an inclusive and supportive community for children who have been diagnosed with cancer, or who have a parent or sibling undergoing cancer treatment.
Pamela said it was good to see how engaged the children were with the performance.
“It felt really good to be able to give something back to the school and also provide really valuable resources for kids about cancer,” she said.
Now in recovery, the young mum said it was important to raise awareness of the disease and for all women to check their breasts regularly.
