North Melbourne president Sonja Hood is cancer free and will attend the club’s Good Friday clash with Carlton.
In a letter to Kangaroos fans and members on Wednesday, Hood wrote that she’d been given the all-clear from specialists after a “couple of months I’d prefer not to repeat” following her breast cancer diagnosis in February.
Hood’s treatment included a mastectomy and tissue reconstruction, revealing she’ll still be on medication for the next five to 10 years to reduce the chances of the cancer returning.
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“It’s been a whirlwind. Although I’m overjoyed at the result, it’s been a couple of months I’d prefer not to repeat,” Hood wrote.
“I also know that if we hadn’t found it when we did, this could be a very different outcome. So please, if you need to go and get tested – do it,”
“I want to thank all of you who sent messages and good wishes. I particularly want to thank our Board and executive team, who stepped up in my absence, and Clarko and the players for a very entertaining first three rounds (notwithstanding the most recent result) which made being stuck on the couch far more bearable than it could have been.”
It comes ahead of North Melbourne’s meeting with the Blues in the marquee Good Friday match, which helps raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital, where Alastair Clarkson’s side will look to bounce back from its loss to Hawthorn.
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The Roos currently sit 2-1 in a promising start to the Clarkson era, with Hood playing a key role in luring the four-time premiership coach to Arden Street.
“This week I’m very excited to say I will be off the couch and at Marvel Stadium on Friday for the Good Friday SuperClash against Carlton,” Hood said.
“Everyone knows how important this game is – for the Royal Children’s Hospital, for the kids and their families, for our club, and for our team. And what a ripping game it promises to be.
“I’m asking as many of you as possible to come along. Let’s fill Marvel Stadium with the royal blue and white so we can break the record crowd of 48,278 for this fixture. And most importantly, let’s give the kids and their families something to really smile about.”
