CHRISTMAS is a special time of year, but it can also be a day of emptiness for many people in the absence of loved ones.
And Wagga woman Shaela Mauger is one of those people who knows what it’s like to lose a loved one.
At a young age, her father died of brain cancer – leaving behind fraught emotions and Christmas minus one.
Ms Mauger, a graphic designer, has drawn on her experiences and says while loved ones might be physically absent, their memory can live on.
She hopes to see those memories honoured this year with “heaven’s brightest star” – a personalised keepsake etched with the names of a lost loved one.
“I think it’s just a great way to remember someone you have lost,” Ms Mauger said. “It’s a special thing to hang on the tree.”
The stars are $10, with $4 from each sale donated to the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation.
Ms Mauger said she had been impressed with the support thus far, having also sold the stars last Christmas.
“I’ve been really surprised by the amount of people affected by brain cancer,” she said. “It’s remarkable that we’re still no closer to finding a cure.
“I’m really hoping that businesses in Wagga will come on board with the cause this Christmas.”
The stars can be purchased at smartidesign.com.au/shop.
