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Mia Cooke

Move It

My Activity Tracking

69
kms

My target 63 kms

I'm Moving It this September!

This September, I'm walking 63km for the 63 Australians who die from pancreatic cancer each week. 

Pancreatic cancer is now the 3rd biggest cancer killer of Australians, and because early-stage pancreatic cancer rarely causes symptoms, the survival rates are devastating.

If you are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer tomorrow, there is only a 10% chance you'll be alive in 5 years.

But research can change this. Your support will fund life-saving pancreatic cancer research and improve survival rates.

So this September, I'm challenging myself to get up, get moving and walk 63km.

Please make a donation to support my challenge and help fund life-changing pancreatic cancer research. 

 

Please Help Me
Reach My Goal

Raised

$3,469

My Goal

$600

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$75
$148
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My Achievements

My Updates

Thursday 30th Sep

Last Walk

Thursday 30th Sep
Today, in a small, heartfelt service, we farewelled David. Seems like an appropriate day to also complete the final walk of the ‘remember September’ fundraiser. In the rain with Jessie, Danielle and Zayah we walked. No rainbows, no feathers, just drops of rain tumbling from the grey sky, fitting for my somber mood after the days events. Goodbye David, good bye September! I would sincerely like to thank everyone who has donated and those who I was able to walk with. I couldn’t have anticipated the joy and love I experienced through walking and sharing memories of Mum with old and new friends. 🙏 I will sign off with a poem I wrote Enjoy a bit of everyday he said with a twinkle in his eye. How? I wondered, when the pain of grief is so deep. Together we talked, laughed, wept & shared. Often in silence, time went on. And even though the sadness of loss will never go, moments of fun, laughter, and happiness will slowly return. Life will go on, and it all becomes one: the pain, the hurt, the joy, the thrill, the anger & the love. So go and live - enjoy a little of each day.

Walk 29

Wednesday 29th Sep
Second last walk today. Jo Mo joined me again, couldn’t tempt her with a treat, think she just wanted to come for the fresh sea air and the great conversation! I certainly have enjoyed each of the walks, and even though many days it was a struggle to find motivation, once I saw the ocean and the smile of my walking companion, I was uplifted and energised. Thanks Jo for your happy gentle company, I’m going to miss these special afternoon catch ups 🤗

Walk 28

Tuesday 28th Sep
A bit longer walk today with dear Donna. Along the way Donna shared a couple of memories of Mum when they worked together at the IGA. She laughed at how mum used to get irate with people who didn’t lift their feet when they walked. Too bad if they had a medical condition, there was no excuse for shuffling! Donna also remembered Mum being obsessed with cleaning the ‘fluff’ off the mat at the entrance. I didn’t know about this particular cleaning habit but I sure knew about other obsessions like fanatic window cleaning! Thanks for sharing Donna, always easy to talk with you 😘

Walk 27

Monday 27th Sep
Sue and Cynthia joined me again for today’s stroll. Instead of caramello koalas we all enjoyed a strawberry Freddo! I can see why Mum enjoyed being with her friends so much. I’m enjoying seeing them too! I asked Sue if she remembered any funny stories about Mum, however instead of sharing one with mum in it, the story I got was all about her and let’s just say I won’t share it here! Oh Sue no wonder Mum loved you 😂❤️

Walk 26

Sunday 26th Sep
Some people will do anything to get out of a walk - Paula (aka Dawny) was booked in for today so what did she do? go and break her toe after our swim this morning. I had to call in the back up - Jessie and Ken. Also changed up the walking route and enjoyed the warmth of the spring sun down at the harbour in Queenscliff. Speedy recovery Dawny we will walk and talk another day 😘

Walk 25

Saturday 25th Sep
This walking really has helped to sustain me through the difficult month of September. Today was no different. If it wasn’t for my 4pm date, I may well have stayed in bed. Monica responded to my walking wanted request and I’m so glad she did. I’ve known Monica since the kids were at kinder, but today we shared more about ourselves. Monica told me how she remembered mums friendly greeting when she went to the IGA. I think that consistent warmth Mum displayed provided much nourishment for many. The ability to connect and share is something I learnt from Mum and will treasure. No rainbows today Monica, but thanks for reaching out and brightening my day ❤️🌈

Walk 24

Friday 24th Sep
Mum loved to make connections between people. Whilst sorting through Nans photos, Mum discovered a photo of Sandra’s wedding. (Sandra in photo above) We both wondered how Nan had a picture of my friend in her belongings. I questioned Sandra, only to discover that she had travelled with my Nan and Aunty Delma across Canada and Alaska! Mystery solved Mum! Even after life Mum is still helping me to reconnect through these walks, for which I am truly grateful. So good to catch up with Sandra - far more words talked than steps walked today !😂

Walk 23

Thursday 23rd Sep
I was looking forward to today’s walk with my old mate Nicole, and it didn’t disappoint! Today Nicole got me a treat - a beautiful bunch of yellow flowers. The significance of yellow flowers goes back to a conversation Mum and I had on the way to Ocean Grove to get some flowers. Mum said I could get any flowers but yellow ones. To which I replied ‘why?’ Mum said it didn’t matter why, but I kept going. By the time we arrived at the car park Mum was yelling at me ‘ I just don’t F?!n like yellow flowers and for F$&@s sake stop asking WHY! To this day I will never know Why Mum didn’t like yellow flowers, or if she did and was sick of me asking Why. Maybe someone else knows Why????🌼🌻🌼

Walk 22

Wednesday 22nd Sep
Lisa.b accompanied me on the walk today. I was thrown into disarray at the IGA. My usual oj was nowhere to be seen. I asked Andrew where it had all gone, to which he replied the laundry isle. Sure enough there it was, he wasn’t trying to trick me into drinking laundry detergent after all. Wonder what Mum would have made of that ! She never did have much if any patience for being asked where certain items, like the eggs, were. I could just imagine me asking her- mum where is the oj. It’s not F$&@n rocket science Mia, it’s in the laundry isle!

Walk 21

Tuesday 21st Sep
Due to COVID restrictions my brother Paul, Emma and Elsie couldn’t join me for today’s very special walk. And I broke tradition and went this morning. Two years ago, our brave Mum died. She found out she had pancreatic cancer in May, and after 4 gruelling months she died.She was 63. As I finished the walk, yet another rainbow appeared. I hurried to get myself in the photo with the rainbow, but this one was for Mum only. Just as quickly as it appeared it disappeared. A fleeting burst of colour, energy and life, lighting up everything in its path. Just as Mum did - lit up our lives with her love, vibrancy and zest for life. And just like the rainbow she disappeared. However, I do believe she left the ones she loved with a sparkle in their heart, which will stay for always. Love you Mum 💫🌈❤️🌈💫

Walk 20

Monday 20th Sep
Happy birthday to my dear brother David . A quiet walk with Sue, another rainbow was colouring the grey sky. Some say rainbows are symbols of hope and my hope for today is that Mum, David.W and David.C are celebrating happily together wherever that may be. 🌈🎈❤️🌈

Swim 19

Sunday 19th Sep
Sunday is swim day with the WOW’s - Wild Ocean Women. We walk roughly 1.2 km to the dog beach then swim back to the springs. I decided I was too tired to do another walk for Mum today, so the swim and walk will do- I think she will understand! Back on track tomorrow .

Walk 18

Saturday 18th Sep
Another walk another beautiful rainbow. The one yesterday was for Mum and today was for mums husband, David. Last night, with Jessie and I by his side, he died peacefully. I looked out to sea with the rainbow spanning above it, the pacific gulls freely floating on the breeze and the blue sea shimmering underneath, and I hoped that Mum and David were now reunited in the perfect harmony that I was witnessing in front of me. Love you both, together again 🌈❤️🌈❤️

Walk 17

Friday 17th Sep
Feeling uninspired to write my little bit today. Asked jo mo for some inspiration- she said ‘ I remember how kind your Mum always was when she served me at the IGA ‘ I thought yes, that she certainly was. We sat to have our midway snack break and chatted. I’m still thinking need a little more , then aha! A beautiful rainbow 🌈 appeared. Jo said Just for Anne . ❤️ (You can just make it out between us in the photo)

Walk 16

Thursday 16th Sep
Had a very soulful walk with Lisa.p tonight. Since Mum died feathers seem to often appear. I’m not looking for them , they even float by when I’m under the sea. The more it happened the more I felt a sense of Mum gently sending me encouragement, comfort and love. Lisa shared with me how birds are special to her too. As we spoke Lorikeets, Rosellas and a Magpie flew by. Thanks for sharing with me Lisa - birds of a feather flock together 🦜

Walk 15

Wednesday 15th Sep
Two for the price of one today. Dear Sue and Cynthia, mums old special friends. We sat and ate our caramelo koalas and Sue fed the magpie some chocolate. I said you can’t feed that to the magpies. Sue said just like your mum except she would have said ‘Sue you can’t F$&@N feed that to the magpies!’ Thanks Sue and Cynthia - you made me laugh .

Walk 14

Tuesday 14th Sep
The strong, caring and hard working hands of Jude. One of mums oldest and dearest friends. Someone who has been in our lives since I was a kid. Truly is good for the soul to reconnect with people. Especially those who share in the deep sadness of missing someone as special as mum Jude waves hi to you Mum wherever you may be 🌹

Amendment to Walk 13

Tuesday 14th Sep
I need to amend my Comments from Walk 13. 
Stanley you were my third walk with a dog. 
Eddie and Nancy I’m terribly sorry for overlooking my walks with you. Please accept my apologies. 

Walk 13

Monday 13th Sep
My first walk in September with the four legged kind! Stanley made for a perfect companion, didn’t interrupt me, listened intently the whole walk and didn’t ask for a treat! Pity his owner wasn’t as well behaved🤣 No wonder Mum loved animals so much - even more than people !! 🐕‍🦺

Walk 12

Sunday 12th Sep
Even with a sore foot Pam joined me on her E bike for today’s walk. Was hoping she didn’t short circuit when the waves crashed over the sea wall and splashed her. Good to have a laugh, Mum was very good at laughing 😂

Walking Vacancies

Sunday 12th Sep
Apart from tomorrow (mon 13sept) every walk is available for someone to join me (if they would like!)
Walks depart springs around 4, stopping at IGA for treat, stopping again in little beach hut to consume treat  and finishing back at springs. Total duration roughly 1hr. 
Feel free to message me if you  are interested 
🚶🏿‍♂️🚶🏿‍♂️🚶🏿‍♂️🍹🧃🍩🍫😂

Walk 11

Saturday 11th Sep
Grey day, made brighter with Felicity’s beautiful orange coat. The coat once belonged to Deb, a dear friend to Felicity, who also lost her life to pancreatic cancer. I also knew Deb and she was young, adventurous, intelligent and full of life. Way too young to die. I often reflect on how many of my friends have been impacted by this cruel cancer. Makes the walking, talking and raising of funds seem all the more important so maybe there are better outcomes for people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the future

Walk 10

Friday 10th Sep
Feeling tired today and not motivated to walk. After my walk with Tamara, things felt a whole lot better. We sat and watched Jessie and Lachie play on the rocks by the sea as we shared memories about our mums. Both our mums died of pancreatic cancer, both aged 63 and both vibrant, strong, kind, beautiful women who died to soon. We continue to walk without Marion and Anne in our lives, but their love, strength and spirit remain in our hearts. ❤️❤️

For you Anne 😘

Thursday 9th Sep

Walk 9

Thursday 9th Sep
Really shaking things up with Shayleigh! Mum would love it not only did she j walk both times we crossed the road to the IGA she requested beer for her treat. As for me sorry Mum I stuck to my oj Cheers to Anne !

Walk 8

Wednesday 8th Sep
I have always had a lot of Anne’s in my life - one of them is my old friend from high school . So wonderful to catch up and reminisce over a bottle of oj.

Walk 7

Tuesday 7th Sep
It’s been so great walking each afternoon. Breaking mums rules and sharing funny stories about her. So nice to have a walk and laugh with Sam Baker today.

Walk 6

Monday 6th Sep
Another lovely spring day. I persuaded Happy with a caramello koala to join me.

Walk 5

Sunday 5th Sep
Thanks for joining me Dad - part of the cause is donating money (just saying!) 😂🤣

Walk 4

Saturday 4th Sep
I do the same walk each afternoon . Starting from springs, I stroll along the promenade to the IGA, where Mum worked for many years. There were numerous behaviours that really annoyed her. One of these was not crossing the road at the pedestrian crossing. So, every walk there is mandatory J walking - especially for you Mum. Even Ken got in on the act today ❤️

Day 4

Saturday 4th Sep
Sun is back out, birds are chirping and legs are reading for walking!

Walk 3

Friday 3rd Sep
Despite the rain Jessie and I shared a wonderful walk. Drenched Jessie said ‘ I’m not doing this because I want to mum, I’m doing it for Granny’

Day 3

Friday 3rd Sep
Red sky in morning … might be a wet walk this afternoon

Walk 2

Thursday 2nd Sep
Nice way to finish the day with Jessie and Andrew remembering Granny

Day 2

Thursday 2nd Sep
Sunshine 🌞 another beautiful day for walking ! What a start to September

Walk 1

Wednesday 1st Sep
Sun was out, lovely stroll with Annie C completed.

Day 1

Wednesday 1st Sep
These shoes were made for walking. What a beautiful day for my first walk.

Thanks

Tuesday 17th Aug
Wow my target was reached in one night. Thank you ! 
 Looking forward to September daily walks 🦵🥰

Thank you to my Sponsors

$250

Point Lonsdale Iga

Missed by all the IGA team & customers.

$154.51

Judy Newey

Great job you,re doing Mia. Mum would be so proud of you. Remembering her is easy, I do it every day

$104.40

The Baker’s Xx

Such an important cause to walk for,. It is a lovely way to honour your Mum. Let’s hope they find a cure 💙

$104.40

Bay City Scuba

Here you go Mia!!!

$104.40

Mark & Kerri Chambers

Well done Mia. Very proud of you!

$104.40

Emma Cooke

$104.40

Ken Adam

Luboooo!

$100

Pam And Joc

You will be making your Mum proud. We realise that the two of us combined do not go near what you had with your wonderful Mum, but we're here for you as 'step in' Mums, sisters and friends. Wishing you the very best with your endeavour to raise funds to research this insidious disease. Lotsa love - Pam & Joc xxoo

$100

Anonymous

$78.30

Mia Cooke

$78.30

Jan Nienaber

$78.30

Amy Vorrath

Good luck Mia

$78.30

Peart Family

I know you would walk to the end of the earth for your beautiful mum 💕 thank you for your effort in raising awareness and funds for Pancreatic cancer research.

$78.30

Vauna Jaensch

$75

Trevor Lea

$75

Dannielle

$63.68

Monica Clemow

A lovely way to remember Anne and support treatment and research. I'm so enjoying the snippets with the different walking buddies each day.

$52.20

Felicity Thyer

Thanks so much Mia for doing this. It is an honour to be able to support you. Fxx

$52.20

Deb Brunt

Love to you Mia a wonderful thing for you to do in memory of your mum 💓💓

$52.20

Ray Family

Well done Mia

$52.20

Sandra M

Anything for my GM & so worth it xxx

$52.20

Leanne Saunders

Big hugs to you Mia. Xx

$52.20

Annie

$52.20

Nicole

Remembering your fabulous mum - Anne! Enjoy all your special people Mia! Much love Nicole xx

$52.20

Jen Robertson

Well done Mia. A super achievement in such a difficult month. Xxx

$52.20

Lynlee & Keith Thomson

Awesome effort Mia great to see you getting lots of support. Mum would be very proud I loved your beautiful Mum too. Xx

$52.20

Kirsty

$52.20

Samantha Bakker

Your precious mum would be so proud of you and your family Mia. I think of Ann every time I jaywalk😀. Catch you for a walk one afternoon. X

$52.20

Julia Webb

$50

Belinda Hynson

Well done Mia Sending love 💓 I loved your beautiful mum 💓

$50

Louise Window

Love to walk with you Love to honour your beautiful Mum

$50

Mandy Potter

This has been truely beautiful Mia

$50

Val Klugg

$50

Tracey Chambers

Wishing you all the best for your walk in memory of your beautiful Mum. Love Trace xxx

$50

Anonymous

Well done Mia xx 💛

$50

Anonymous

$38.63

Anonymous

Go Mia!

$38.63

Donna Martin

Enjoy your lovely walks for your Mum.

$38.63

Donna Chiller

I’ll join you for a walk!

$38.63

Suzie

Cancer sucks! So happy to support this Mia. I think of your awesome Mum often. xx

$38.63

Joanna Monahan

Great effort Mia! Anne would be so proud 😘

$38.63

Dennis Van Hees

❤️❤️❤️ much love

$38.63

Ali Waight

How the whole of Lonny loved your Mum Mia! She was one in a million! Good luck with the walking, great job! X

$37

Susannah Blair

Very courageous of you Mia. A brutal cancer - has affected my family too. Thinking of your wonderful mum Anne always makes me smile 🙏🏻💗

$31.32

Frances O'shea

Well done Mia. Great effort. Would love to walk with you one day.

$31.32

Lorie Meban

Wonderful cause for a beautiful lady xx

$31.32

Deb Stewart

What a great way to honour the memory of your beautiful mum

$31.32

Shayleigh Chapman

$31.32

Sheree

Beautiful effort sugar, I’d walk with you anywhere.

$31.32

Pat And Leigh Chambers

Thank you Mia for doing this in memory of your beautiful Mum xx

$30

Jane Dalton

Fantastic walking and lovely memories

$26.10

Carlene Mckay

Well done Mia!!

$26.10

Mindy Werry

$25

Rosie Cooke

$25

Carol Chambers

Hello Mia Anne would be extremely proud of you. Love Carol

$20.88

Mia Cooke

❤

$20.88

Daniel

🐜🐜🐜🐜🐜

$20.88

Bec Monahan

It’s a wonderful thing you’re doing Mia in memory of your beautiful mum ❤️

$20.88

Allan Buckley

go girl

$20

Cameron-johnston Family

Lots of love for your journey and remembrance of your dear Mum. Xxx Jacquie and Michelle.

$20

Marika Norton

$10

Maddi Millard