They denied that death was a possibility, even when Sandra was admitted to the palliative care ward at Calvary Hospital. Even if Charisse had been aware of gastro-intestinal cancer statistics, that 88percent of sufferers don't survive two years, she would have expected her mother to be in the remaining 12percent.

"She had never been sick before, she went to the gym, she walked, and she was eating the right food, and we thought she'd be fine,'' Charisse said.

"Then she had her stomach, spleen and gall bladder removed and was undergoing chemotherapy and radiation.

"We though that once they removed the body parts she would get better.''

But she died at 57 last September, a week before Charisse turned 21 and four days after ACTive Elite Performers' September show.

Sandra never missed an ACTive Elite event because the Grabers helped Charisse when she was 17 to start up the drama business.

Charisse, a Danebank school student, had been involved with the Sans Souci branch of Australian Youth Theatre when she got the idea that older teen actors needed something more challenging; thus ACTive theatre group for young people was born.

Sandra was the one who had to sign for the venue and equipment hire, and "babysit'' the rehearsal sessions as Charisse was underage.

She was also studying psychology at university, doing the bookkeeping for husband Brian's business, and sparing as much time as she could for arts activities in Sutherland Shire and St George.

The 35 or so ACTive members, aged between eight and 24, were especially close to her.

"They call me 'momma Shaz', and mum was 'grandma Shaz' we are like a family, and even more so now,'' Charisse said.

To honour her mother and raise money and awareness for the GI (gastrointestinal) Institute, Charisse and ACTive are planning Sandra Graber's Red Rose Charity Ball on the anniversary of her death.

''Everything's Coming up Roses was her favourite song and she looked good in red, so I want everyone to dress up and have a great time,'' Charisse said.

The event will be held at Sutherland Arts Theatre on September 18.

ACTive, the Shire Music Theatre, and singer Gavin Leahy are going to perform, and there'll be champagne and dancing.

Sponsors would be most welcome.

Anyone who wants to be involved with gastro-intestinal cancer research and can help with auction and raffle prizes, food and alcohol, tables and equipment or fund-raising can phone Charisse on 0403 806 599.