When Georgia Lowry was diagnosed with leukaemia as a baby she was given a two per cent chance of survival.
Despite the odds the Mundijong resident not only celebrated her 21st birthday this year but was also using her experience to help children dealing with cancer by volunteering with camp quality.
She was recently named a state finalist for this year’s young Australian of the year award for her work with the charity, with the winner to be announced at the weekend.
“I was shocked when I was nominated by one of the camp quality volunteers,” she said.
“It took a bit to sink in, I was overwhelmed and honoured.”
Ms Lowry first became involved with camp quality as a camper following her diagnosis and treatment for a rare form of leukaemia.
Dubbed a ‘miracle baby,’ she was the youngest ever bone marrow recipient in the country.
She underwent two bone marrow transplants with her brother Tom and sister Grace the matching donors.
Her sibling bonds are still strong despite them all living apart.
“My sister is in Melbourne and my brother has just gone to Denmark in Europe but as far apart as we literally are we’re still very close,” she said.
Ms Lowry also credits her relationship with her horses to her continued good health.
“Animals are therapeutic and that’s the thing that got me through,” she said.
Ms Lowry continues to live with long term health complications from the intense radiation and chemotherapy she underwent as a child but has been cancer free for about 18 years.
“My first camp was in about 2003 and camp quality means the world to me,” she said.
“When I look back on it now, of course I couldn’t tell you this when I was 10 but it gives you the chance to be a normal kid and not be isolated in any way.
“We’ve all got our differences and when you’re there no one double looks at you or asks you questions about it or anything and you’re just free to have a great time.
“At the same time mum and dad know you’re in a safe place and they can relax.”
Ms Lowry said despite now being too old to attend the camps she felt she couldn’t leave and began volunteering.
“When I was too old to be a camper I was really upset because it was my family for a long time,” she said.
“I thought the only way to give back was to be a carer so that’s what I did and I love it.”
Western Australia’s Australian of the year awards will be announced on November 8.
The winners will become finalists for the national awards, to be held in Canberra on January 25 next year.
