A LEGACY MARCHES ON

Late last year, young Burdekin local Elenna Savorgnan sadly lost her battle with brain cancer at just three years old after a valiant, year-long fight.

Now, in what would have been Elenna’s birthday month, her mother Maria is honouring her memory by taking on the 86K for a Cure challenge, carrying with her the legacy of a little girl who filled the world around her with warmth and love.

“Elenna brought so much love into our lives,” Maria said.

"If sharing her story helps bring us closer to a cure for childhood cancer, then her legacy continues to make a difference.”

The 86K for a Cure challenge sees participants walk, run or move 86 kilometres throughout March, with the distance representing the 86 children diagnosed with cancer each year in Australia. The initiative raises funds for the Children’s Cancer Institute, supporting vital research into childhood cancers.

For Maria, it’s an opportunity to help ensure “no other family has to endure what we did.”

“We know we want to continue supporting the fight to cure childhood cancer, and participating in the 86K challenge felt like a positive way to honour her and continue that effort,” she said.

“If Elenna could go through everything she did and still manage to smile, then I can certainly walk 86 kilometres.”

She will be joined on her journey by friends Natasha Stevenson, Wilmee Stockdale, Chloe Biffanti, Jessica Pucciarmati, Bree Dwyer, Kiri Woods, Karen Driver, and her sister, Melissa Tapiolas.

“Having them beside me for this challenge means the world,” Maria said.

“They have supported us so much throughout everything and continue to show Elenna so much love.”

It was in 2024 that Elenna was diagnosed with Group 3 Medulloblastoma, an aggressive form of childhood brain cancer. After fighting through brain surgery and intensive treatment, she sadly passed away late last year, months shy of what would’ve been her fourth birthday.

“March 13 would have been Elenna’s birthday, so this month will always be a meaningful time to us,” Maria said.

“I love the little memories that pop up all the time – the cute things she would say, her beautiful smile, and how much she loved dancing to music. She also had the most beautiful, contagious, heart-melting laugh."

While life without Elenna has been incredibly difficult, Maria said the support of the Burdekin community has been an unwavering source of strength.

“The kindness and support we’ve received has meant so much to our family and we could never truly put into words how grateful we are,” Maria said.

Members of the community can continue to support Maria’s walk by donating, sharing the fundraiser, or following the links on her Facebook page to contribute.

https://www.facebook.com/donate/1579522309979483/?fundraiser_source=external_url

1—Maria Savorgnan is joined by friends and family as they take on the 86K for a Cure challenge in honour of her late daughter, Elenna, raising funds and awareness for childhood cancer. Photo supplied

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