A BALLAJURA-based former international fitness model will once again strut the catwalk, this time to raise money and awareness for ovarian cancer.
North Beach resident Jana Billeau is a finalist in the Mrs Australia Quest (MAQuest) pageant to be held in May.
The event aims to raise awareness and funds for ovarian cancer, including support and educational resources for the community.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWMs Billeau won the 2012 Australian Natural Bodybuilding Australian Championships fitness model over 30 title, the 2013 Czech Republic National Championships in Fitness and Bodybuilding Fitness fitness model and bikini model categories and competed in the world titles in 2014.
After leaving modelling two years ago, the mother-to-be was inspired to take part in the MAQuest after she lost her mother to breast cancer in 2008 and said any cause with cancer “is close to me”.
Ms Billeau began to raise ovarian cancer awareness by handing out leaflets and writing pieces for newsletters including the Czech community newsletter, and hosting a raffle and events to raise money.
“Ovarian cancer can be difficult to be diagnosed because the symptoms are ones that many women will experience from time to time,” she said.
“Reducing the risks and awareness is very important. Ovarian cancer affects the reproductive system and, as a pregnant woman, I feel very lucky to be able to have a child.”
Ovarian cancer takes the lives of about 1500 women each year in Australia and every 11 hours one woman is diagnosed.
To donate click here.