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We’re celebrating all women this Mother’s Day

Vivienne Interrigi is an extraordinary woman who is being celebrated this Mother's Day.

Vivienne Interrigi is an extraordinary woman who is being celebrated this Mother's Day. Photo: Mother's Day Classic

By participating in the Mother’s Day Classic, you will be supporting the 53 women who are diagnosed with breast cancer every day.

Now is the time to show your support in making Mother’s Day an event that isn’t just about celebrating mum, but about making a difference and saving lives.

This coming Mother’s Day, we are supporting all women.

There are so many extraordinary women within the Mother’s Day Classic community that have been touched by breast cancer in one way or another – survivors, mums, daughters, sisters and friends.

It’s just over 12 months since Vivienne Interrigi received her breast cancer diagnosis. This was on the same day as International Women’s Day, which celebrates women’s achievements and raises awareness of women’s issues across the globe.

A year later, Vivienne has experienced the most challenging year of her life, having been on a rollercoaster journey from surgery through chemotherapy, radiation therapy, cold capping, bone infusions and monthly injections.

Having survived the worst year of her life, she truly understands how significant it is to participate in raising awareness and funds for cancer research to combat the most common cancer diagnosis for Australian women today.

“The MDC is an important reminder to not take anything for granted. It means so much to me to be able to do it this year with my husband and two children, and amazing friends,” Vivienne says.

Before her diagnosis last year, Vivienne had completed her Master in Counselling and was working as a school counsellor.

During her cancer treatment, she managed to achieve a further qualification in Master of Family and Systemic Therapy, opening up a pathway into private therapy working with vulnerable children and families.

Vivienne recalls, “I needed to make sure that my everyday life was one of fulfilment, passion and family. After going through an experience like I have, that is life-changing in so many ways – physically, mentally and emotionally – it was really important for me to also make a difference to others in need who are trying to cope in extremely difficult circumstances.”

When news of her diagnosis came, her first thought was her family especially her two children, Kalan (13) and Keisha (11), and how they were to understand the life-threatening journey she was about to face.

“It was like going from hell and back, and I was very much aware of the huge impact it would have on my family,” Vivienne says.

“The kids were really beautiful and there were many tears and anger throughout the process. Kalan has a lovely sense of humour and he was able to bring light to some of the really trying situations.

“They had to grow up pretty fast and learn how to help around the house, cooking and cleaning, supporting my husband Frank every day.

“It was an emotional journey for everyone.”

During chemotherapy, Vivienne opted into wearing the ‘cold cap’. This is a gruelling experience where they freeze your head to -30 degrees.

Many women are unable to continue after the first few sessions but Vivienne was so determined to do everything she could to save her hair.

“My daughter Keisha didn’t want me to lose my hair. I think it was the part that really scared her as it represented for her, death and dying. I had to reassure her and say, Mummy’s not going to die,” Vivienne says.

Vivienne Interrigi. Photo: Mother’s Day Classic

“I’m not one for a lot of make-up and comfortable with being casually dressed, but yet it suddenly felt very important for me to want to retain the physical aspects of my femininity. I managed to keep most of my hair for Keisha and myself.”

Vivienne visits her GP regularly for health checks, the GP who recommended doing a random mammogram (because she had never had one before) that ultimately saved her life. She was not aware then that breast screening is free to women over 40 years of age.

“Every time I sit in the waiting room there, I can’t resist telling all the other patients that my GP saved my life and to make an appointment to be screened,” she says.

She believes it is so important to increase awareness and pass on to others what she knows now.

“I think my journey through diagnosis and treatment has cemented my feeling about being yourself and being proud of who you are.

“When you are dealing with this uncertainty, it brings out and shows the humanity we all possess and are surrounded by.

“And it reinforces the importance of appreciating all the little things in your life – the cup of tea in the morning, coming home to your family after work.

“Don’t take anything for granted because you never know what tomorrow will hold.”

Vivienne feels very grateful for the incredible support received from family and friends.

She is bringing them all together to “Walk with Viv” on May 12, hoping to encourage every family to make Mother’s Day more meaningful and find a positive way of celebrating it.”


The New Daily is a media partner of the Women in Super Mother’s Day Classic, which takes place in 100 locations across Australia on Sunday, May 12, raising money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation to help fund life-saving breast cancer research projects. Registrations are open here.

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