Albany Roller Derby’s first home game of the season will take on a special significance this weekend as the team raises funds for a member’s mum to receive a life-changing surgery.
The club will take on Perth Roller Derby in a special community fundraising event at Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre on Saturday, raising money for Nicole Stoney to receive lymphatic surgery in Perth.
Ms Stoney has been part of the Albany Roller Derby league for 11 years, cheering for her daughter Tegan and supporting the team from the sidelines.
She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998. She beat it the first time and was cancer-free until 2017, when she discovered the cancer was back in the same place.
In 2022, she was diagnosed with stage four metastatic breast cancer and has been fighting it ever since.
A side effect of the disease and years of treatment has been the development of severe lymphedema in her left arm that requires constant treatment.
After seeing a specialist, Ms Stoney was told surgery was an option, but it would need to be done in Perth and it would not come cheap, with private health insurance refusing to cover it and Ms Stoney left to cover a $25,000 bill out of pocket.
Two of her closest friends started a GoFundMe to help cover the costs, and so far it has received more than $47,000 in donations.
“It was definitely a bit of a shock and surprise, just to know that there’s lots of community support out there which, you know, I never asked for,” Ms Stoney said.
“It was just so humbling to know that there’s so many beautiful people out there wanting to help me.
“I used to volunteer with St John as well, I did that for 11 or 12 years, so I’ve always been the one that gives, not takes, so it’s hard to be on the other end of taking and accepting that help.
“But the surgery will change my life for good, hopefully, so I’m humbled people have wanted to help me.”
Money from ticket sales to Saturday’s game will go to Ms Stoney.
There will be plenty happening alongside the game on the night, including live game commentary, food from Shaka Dumplings and The Donut Man, a licensed bar and a special half-time performance from Southern Edge Arts.
Albany Roller Derby president Natalie Jarvis said the fundraiser reflected what the sport is all about.
“Roller derby is so much more than what happens on the track. We are a community, and when one of our own needs support, we come together,” she said.
“Nicole has given so much to our league over the years, and we want to give something back.
“We’d love to see ALAC packed next Saturday with people cheering on the teams, enjoying the entertainment and helping us support Nicole and her family.”
Donations can be made to the GoFundMe at gofundme.com/f/help-us-support-nicole-stoney.
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