At just 15 years old, Savannah Bain is turning grief into action.

In coming weeks she will host a breast cancer fundraiser that honours the memory of the grandmother she still calls her “best friend”.

The inaugural Pretty in Pink Morning Tea will be held at the Blighty Recreation Reserve on November 21, bringing together locals to raise money, share stories and increase awareness of a disease that touched Savannah's family in a deeply personal way.

Savannah's inspiration is her grandmother, Annette Bain, affectionately known as Nette, who died in 2018 after an eight year battle with breast cancer.

“My grandma was one of the most important people in my life,” Savannah said.

“She was my best friend and we were incredibly close. She was such a big part of my everyday life growing up."

Diagnosed in 2010, Nette underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy and outlived her initial prognosis, spending valuable extra years with her family before passing away peacefully at home at the age of 64.

For Savannah, some of her most treasured memories are not the milestone occasions, but the everyday routines they shared.

Looking back, those ordinary moments have become the memories she cherishes most.

“I used to go to her house every morning, and she would take me to preschool.

“I miss when we sang our little song when we wanted food and we would sit on the freezer, and all the little things that were just part of our routine."

“She spent so much time with our family, and I feel lucky to have so many memories with her.

“I wish I could walk into her house one more time, tell her everything that's happening in my life and have her there to see what I'm doing."

The impact of Nette's illness extended well beyond her own diagnosis, affecting the whole family and the Blighty community at large.

“When someone is diagnosed with cancer, it's not just that person who goes through it. Their children, grandchildren, partners and everyone who loves them are affected too,” Savannah said.

“Her experience has also made us more aware of our own family history.

“My dad, uncle and aunties are at increased risk, which makes breast cancer an even more personal cause for us.

“I wanted to bring our community together, raise money and awareness, and hopefully help other families who are going through something similar to those ours experienced."

The morning tea will feature tea and coffee, a shared morning tea, raffle prizes donated by local businesses, a lolly jar guessing competition and awards for the best dressed in pink.

Guest speakers from the Breast Cancer Network and a local resident affected by breast cancer will also share their experiences and knowledge.

Savannah hopes the event will not only raise funds, but also encourage important conversations about breast cancer.

She is also keen to highlight that breast cancer can affect men as well as women, and wants the event to become a lasting local tradition.

“My goal is to raise money to help people diagnosed with breast cancer access support, care and resources, and to help families feel less alone during such a difficult time.

"I want this event to show that even at 15, you can make a difference in your community.

“I hope we can create something that continues every year and grows into something that helps more and more people."

Organising a community fundraiser at her age - while at school and with a part-time job - has been a significant undertaking.

Savannah has contacted businesses, speakers and community groups herself, and their support through donations and raffle prizes is helping to bring her vision to life.

She has also had the support of Jess Butcher in organising the event, and her parents Sarah and Kyel Bain.

Yet at the heart of the event remains the woman who inspired it.

“I know that if Nette was here, she would be standing on a table cheering as loud as she possibly could, making sure everyone knew she was there to support me.

“I started this fundraiser because of what she went through, but also because of how much I loved her and how much I still love her.

“I can't bring her back, and I can't change what happened, but I can do something in her memory.

“I can tell her story, raise awareness and help other families who are facing something similar."

While years have passed since Savannah lost her grandmother, one wish remains unchanged.

"No matter how old I get, I'll always be her little girl, and she'll always be my best friend.

“And if I could have just one more morning with her, doing absolutely nothing special, I'd take that over almost anything in the world.”

The Pretty In Pink Morning Tea will be held from 9am to noon on Saturday, November 21.

Entry is $25, which includes one free raffle ticket. Additional tickets are available at $5 for three or $15 for six.

Tickets will be available at the door, or you can pre-book at https://events.humanitix.com/blighty-breast-cancer-morning-tea/tickets.

• For more information about the Breast Cancer Network and how they can help you, go to www.bcna.org.au.

• If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with cancer, support is available from Deniliquin Can Assist. Call 0455 097 676 or email deniliquin@canassist.org.au.

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