CanTeen provides support for young people aged 12 to 24 who are living with cancer.

Every year on national Bandanna Day, the group's biggest annual fund-raiser, Australians are asked to buy a bandanna in support of CanTeen.

Ms Farrell used to sell bandannas at her former workplace, the Romsey Kindergarten.

This year, for the first time, she will continue the tradition alone.

She said a scare with her son had made her realise how lucky her family was and how she could help young people who were not so fortunate.

"Back in 1995, our son who was 19 had just completed VCE. He was in his first year in the workforce and became ill.

"After weeks of tests, biopsies and a terrifying couple of weeks, he got the all-clear. It turned out to be a non-cancerous lymphoma, but it made me think about how these young kids cope with so much going on. I discovered CanTeen and it all came back to me."

Ms Farrell urged Macedon Ranges residents to buy a bandanna this Friday.

"I just try to do my little bit; every little bit helps. I would say just go out and buy one. It's only $3."

Bandannas are $3 and available at Woolworths, Woolworths Petrol, Myer, Supercheap Auto, Fitness First, Newslink, Spotlight, Eckersleys, Industrie Clothing, Kennards Hire, L&H Group and Hilti.

Details: www.bandannaday.com.au or 1800226833.