Sunday, May 6, 2012

"You will find, as you look back on your life, that the moments that stand out are the moments when you have done things for others." - Henry Drummond

I am struggling with writing words to accompany this blog post, I am a little unsure of where to begin? The past week has been an extraordinary one for me. I think the quote above is very fitting for how I am feeling right now about the walk and the remarkable people I have met along the way. I have gained way more from doing this walk than I ever could have imagined and I am now a very devoted and passionate supporter of the Asbestos Diseases Society. This is probably my favourite photo from the walk. You can see that we were all excited to begin our journey from Kalgoorlie to Perth. Enthusiasm and smiles hung around all week!



Mr. Robert Vajakovic - President of the Asbestos Diseases Society. Robert has worked tirelessly for the last 30+ years fighting for the victims of Asbestos related diseases and their families.
Mrs. Rose Marie Vojakovic has worked along side her husband for the past 30+ years offering support services and counselling to those suffering from Asbestos related diseases. Both Robert and Rosemary have provided victims and their families with invaluable support, care and hope in their darkest days. I appreciate all the information you have shared regarding crazy 'cover-ups' and I am in awe of all you do.

 Some of the new friends I have made. Thank you for all the fun times.
 The 'walkers' about to embark on the last leg of their journey.
So if it seems I am a bit obsessed with Ryan it is because I am. I have never met a 17 year old like him (male or female) in my life and I really doubt I will again. He can hold a serious conversation with adults, he is so respectful and mature, but best of all he is a whole heap of fun. Ryan's Granddad and his Granddad's assistant both worked with Asbestos to build houses. Ryan's Granddad is ok but sadly his Granddad's assistant has Mesothelioma (a deadly Asbestos related cancer). My Step-mum Den, who initiated the walk, said Ryan was on board from day one. I met Ryan's Mother at the ADS head office once we finished our walk and I started to cry as I told her how proud she should be of her boy. She was of course SO PROUD of her boy and all he achieved! 

Barry and his daughter Jo walked from Kal to Perth. Barry was truly inspirational on the walk. Barry is actually suffering from Mesothelioma himself, so to do as much walking as he did was AMAZING. I will remember him for the rest of my life.

Love your work girls!!

The Slater and Gordon team. This law firm fights hard for the victims and families affected by Asbestos related diseases. I was told on several occasions "they are the best in the business". Thanks for all the hard work you have done, both on the walk and in the courts, to serve those affected by Asbestos. 
My Step-mum Den with her greatest supporters - her brother Kevin and his wife Alli, her sister Mag, her bestie Sue and Robert. 

The oldest walker Lee aged 88 with Ryan (the youngest) aged 17. Top effort Lee.
Kaela and I at the end of our journey. So grateful you share the same sense of humour as me Kaela, we will be friends forever now. Catch you in Bully! 



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