MURTOA'S Rachael Littore is the new face of Wimmera Cancer Centre's fundraising appeal.
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The centre officially launched its appeal on Monday, which has been named 'Rachael's Wish'.
Miss Littore, 25, was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma two years ago and had to travel between Horsham and Ballarat for treatment.
She contacted Member for Mallee Andrew Broad last year and urged him to fund a state-of-the-art cancer centre in the Wimmera.
Wimmera Health Care Group chief executive Chris Scott said Miss Littore - who is now in remission - was a great ambassador for the hospital and everyone involved in the centre.
"We want everyone to join us in achieving our goal and Rachael's wish," he said.
The Wimmera Cancer Centre steering committee has called on the community to help raise $1 million for the new oncology centre at Wimmera Base Hospital in Horsham.
"So far the community support has been overwhelming," Mr Scott said.
He said donations so far included $80,000 from the Wimmera Health Care Group Foundation, $50,500 from Wimmera Hospice Care and $75,000 from Hillross Horsham.
Coller Rathgeber Property Group has also offered to contribute $100 from every house sold between now and Christmas.
Miss Littore said it was overwhelming and humbling to be named the face of the campaign.
"It means a lot to the children I teach too, because it shows them how one person can make a difference," she said.
"The community is in desperate need of this centre and I encourage everyone to think about what they can do to contribute.
"It only takes $1 at a time to help this wish take shape."
Mr Scott said the Grampians region had one of the lowest five-year cancer survival rates in Victoria.
"As a community we are struggling," he said.
"About 970 people annually drive past Horsham for treatment elsewhere and there is no reason why that should happen.
"These aren't just people in Horsham - they are people in Hopetoun, Rainbow or Kaniva.
"There is also a growing number of people who do not seek treatment because it's too difficult."
Ace Radio will host a fundraising telethon in August.