Oakdale Netball Club’s Sophie Agostino goes for gold in honour of brave sister Charlotte
Cancer may have robbed Charlotte Agostino of her sporting career but her indomitable spirit will remain on the court when her older sister laces up to compete in her honour.
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Almost year ago the Agostino family’s world was turned upside down.
The youngest of three siblings, Charlotte, was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma — a type of bone cancer commonly found in young people under 25 — in her femur.
Doctors soon found the cancer had spread to the Oakdale Netball Club junior’s lungs.
What followed was an operation to replace Charlotte’s femur and a plate was put in, resulting in a 34cm scar.
She also underwent a knee replacement and chemotherapy.
“I was diagnosed last August and it flipped everything upside down,” Charlotte, now 17, said.
“I was in hospital three out of five weeks at a time — it was horrible.
“I was really active but I am never allowed to play sport again now.
“It’s really hard but you’ve got to just take it on.”
And when Sophie takes to the court for Oakdale’s round one top tier clash against Tango tonight (Friday), she will “100 per cent” be playing for Charlotte.
Oakdale has also rallied around Sophie with players wearing gold shoelaces this season.
It is part of the Childhood Cancer Association’s Gold Laces campaign with all funds raised going to support kids battling.
Fortunately, Charlotte has finished chemotherapy and there are now no signs of active disease in the Somerton Park teenager’s body.
But her fight isn’t over and she will need regular check-ups and rehabilitation on her leg.
“Sophie has been the most supportive — she gives me my space and then gives me a cuddle when I need it,” the Sacred Heart College student said.
Sophie is proud of he sister’s strength and thankful for Oakdale’s support.
“We would go weeks where we wouldn’t see Charlotte because she’d be in hospital,” Sophie said.
“But it brought the family together and made us appreciate life.
“It’s a simple thing just to put some gold laces on your shoes but a little bit of support goes a long way.
“Oakdale is like a family, so I’m proud to see everyone involved.
To buy gold laces and help raise money for the Childhood Cancer Association, head to childhoodcancer.asn.au