Community
15 May, 2026
Target reached
A NEW $120,000 breast tumour locator system will soon be on order for the Warrnambool hospital thanks to the generosity of the community.
A community appeal was launched by South West Healthcare’s community partnerships manager Suzan Morey in January this year, calling on locals to once again dig deep where possible to help raise the necessary funds for this vital piece of equipment.
Much to the delight of all involved, the appeal reached its fundraising target last weekend – when an incredible $11,317 was raised by staff and customers at Warrnambool’s All Seasons Nursery.
Saturday’s special fundraising day was the brainchild of nursery owner Kim Sordello who knows only too well the challenges and emotional journey breast cancer sufferers, and survivors, face.
Kim is now bravely battling stage four breast cancer and said she wanted to do everything she could to support this latest fundraising campaign.
“I’m now 53 and was diagnosed with breast cancer at 49,” she said.
“My husband and I took ownership of the nursery two years ago after running a bakery, and two weeks later I was told the cancer had spread to my brain.
“I was off work for about four weeks; my husband ‘Corza’ was an amazing support, and always is, and I’m surrounded by a great team here and have a terrific support network of family and friends.”
Kim said the medical team at South West Healthcare, and in particular Ian Collins, had provided her with not only the medical support she needed, but also the emotional support.
“They are all fantastic,” she said. “Ian Collins is wonderful and the team around him are very caring and compassionate.
“Doing a fundraiser for this breast tumour locator system was a given. We had to do our bit and raise as much money as we can – but to be able to raise the entire $11,317 that was needed to reach the target was just amazing and we thank everyone who contributed both on the day and leading up to it.”
Kim’s band of workers were “flat out” all day last Saturday, with visitors to the nursery not only happy to make a purchase but also add an extra donation, purchase raffle tickets or buy a coffee.
“Leanne Fleming (Sippy Sisters Brew Co) had the coffees going throughout the day, with donations coming from those also, and she was a great help leading up to the weekend collecting donations from some wonderful local businesses for raffle prizes,” Kim said.
“It was a great team effort all-round and we’re absolutely thrilled with the total raised; it far exceeded my expectations that’s for sure - so thankyou to everyone who gave so generously.”
South West Healthcare’s community partnership manager, Suzan Morey, congratulated Kim and her team on their efforts and thanked all donors who helped reach the $120,000 target.
“To raise this money in a few short months is amazing,” she said.
“And for Kim to lead this final fundraiser, which saw us reach the target, was quite fitting. She is extremely brave; it’s amazing what she has done while also battling her own health journey.”
With this recent fundraising campaign complete, Suzan now has her sights set on raising $115,000 to update South West Healthcare theatre’s existing Transperineal Ultrasound System (TPUS).
“This specialised equipment is used to help diagnose prostate cancer,” she said.
More details on this next fundraising campaign will be announced shortly.
