THE community of Swan Hill is once again doing what it does best and throwing its support behind a local in need.
It was less than a month ago renowned Swan Hill Football Netball Club A grade netballer Kelsey McCoy was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
With the news shocking friends, family and fellow athletes, the Swans have already got behind the 23-year-old, organising a fundraiser to assist with Kelsey’s ongoing medical costs, and are calling on locals to get behind it.
Kelsey’s diagnosis came as a shock to everyone but we know she has the strength and determination to get through this
The Kelsey McCoy Fundraiser Committee formed soon after Kelsey’s diagnosis.
“Kelsey’s diagnosis came as a shock to everyone but we know she has the strength and determination to get through this. We are here to support her all the way,” committee chairperson Emily Patterson said.
But Kelsey isn’t letting the diagnosis slow her down, taking to the netball court on Saturday to help the Swans to an emotional one-goal win over Woorinen.
Her teammates paid tribute to her strong attitude on Facebook.
“This little champion stepped on to the court yesterday with a typical Kelsey McCoy attitude,” a post on the Kelsey McCoy Fundraiser page read.
“She was strong, composed, smiling and laughing, as always.
“Emotions were high on and off the court for Kels, players, supporters and the opposition. You are an inspiration Kels. The whole community is behind you. We love you.”
The first fundraiser event will be a helicopter golf ball drop on Sunday, September 14, at 3.30pm, as part of the club’s vote count day.
The helicopter will drop the balls and whichever one lands closest to the target on the oval will win $1000.
Golf balls are available for purchase for $10 each or seven for $50 from a number of local retail outlets and any Swan Hill player.
Direct donations can also be made.
Kelsey was diagnosed with the cancer after noticing a large lump on her neck after recovering from a cold.
She was referred to a specialist, and on July 28 she was initially diagnosed with stage one Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
However, the news got worse after heading to Melbourne for scans, where results revealed she was actually in stage four.
The next six months will see Kelsey undergo regular chemotherapy treatment at St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne.
Kelsey is a well known and much loved person of the Swan Hill community who won last year’s Central Murray Football Netball League A Grade best and fairest award.
Swan Hill president Alistair Ward said the club would do what it could to support Kelsey.
“The Swan Hill Football Netball Club understands it is a difficult time for Kelsey and will endeavour to support her in any way possible,” he said.
For more information on the Kelsey McCoy Fundraiser you can call Ms Patterson on 0409 052 745 or go to the group’s Facebook page.
