Youngsters honoured as family legacy delivers $50,000 for Mid North Coast cancer care

TWO young members of the Crestani family were part of a special presentation in Port Macquarie on Friday.

Charlie Raatz, 11, and his sister Sophie, 6, were recognised for their part in an initiative established by their family in honour of Chris Crestani.

Crestani Scholarships is a volunteer-run charity founded in 2007 by Yvonne Crestani in memory of her late husband Chris.

He was Chief Radiation Therapist at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney for 40 years and a lifelong advocate for young professionals continuing to learn and improve their skills.

Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, the charity has awarded more than 50 scholarships since 2008 and donated just under $1 million to cancer care, education and research, including $160,000 in the past financial year alone.

Port Macquarie MP, Robert Dwyer joined the family at the presentation, which marked a $50,000 contribution from Crestani Scholarships to support education and training for cancer care professionals on the Mid North Coast.

The presentation was a moving reminder of what one family’s commitment can achieve.

“Seeing Charlie and Sophie step up to receive their medals, carrying forward a legacy that began with their great-grandfather, was the highlight of the afternoon,” Mr Dwyer said.

“To have this support reach the Mid North Coast in the charity’s 20th year is something our community can be proud of.”

For more information, visit crestanischolarships.org.au.