400 show up to sing happy birthday to Melissa
AN OUTPOURING of community support has helped shine a bright light into a dark time for one Coast woman and her family and friends.
About 400 Coast residents made their way to Sunshine Coast Stadium last Saturday to sing Happy Birthday to Melissa Galea, who is in the final stages of breast cancer.
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Organised by close friend and primary carer Neleke McDermott,the day went off without a hitch, as the crowd sang and danced for a video, shown to a stunned Melissa, who could not believe the number of well-wishers in attendance.
"It was awesome," Ms McDermott said. "There were people from everywhere. An old lady from Maleny - she must've been 85 - she'd never even met Melissa before and she came down.
"She's (Melissa) a little bit in shock. She didn't want a big fuss but it definitely brightened her up."
Hoping for 100 people at best, Ms McDermott said the day had restored her faith in humanity.
"It just shows cancer has touched so many people and they've turned out to show their support," Ms McDermott said.
