“My name is Sarah. I’m the eldest of three children, work in the sports industry and currently live in Melbourne. My Dad, Gary (or ‘Moonie’ as he was affectionately known), passed away from kidney cancer after an 18-month battle in 2018. He was 56.
Unfortunately, Dad’s kidney cancer was Stage Four, and aggressive by the time he was diagnosed. We watched as he tried numerous treatments, and as the cancer took away our strong and healthy Dad.
He was lucky enough to try some trial drugs in some form, but in some cases the cancer was too far progressed in order for him to meet the requirements. Research, treatments and medications have come so far in the last few years, but I still believe that they need as much support as possible to ensure that everyone is given a chance to fight this beast.
Growing up in the small town of Coolamon in NSW, with just over 1500 residents, there was a real sense of local community. My dad spent countless hours volunteering at both the local AFL club, and community showground. When I decided to organize an event to raise money for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation in Dad’s honour, I chose a route that circled these locations to represent the contribution he made to the community on what would have been his 57th birthday.
Moonie’s March is a 5km walk, followed by a BBQ, activities, live music and entertainment. The community is showing incredible support, and we are expecting 250 people to attend. Our goal was to raise $10,000 and we have already hit $11 500 before the event has been held!
They are also using the opportunity to open a new shelter at the local footy oval which will be named after our Dad.
I support ACRF as I don’t want anyone to experience what my Dad or family went through. We are so close to big breakthroughs in cancer research that we can’t slow down – we need to continue to invest and keep momentum in the research that is already taking place. Dad was a big believer in the work that is being done within the cancer research space by doctors and scientists.
Dad’s primary cancer was kidney cancer, but he didn’t have any symptoms until the secondary tumors on his brain started pressing on his nerves. He never had any symptoms, and the doctors said that had no idea how long the kidney cancer had been there. Being diagnosed with Stage Four cancer meant that he was defeated before even starting any treatments. Everyone should be given an opportunity to fight, and win.” – Sarah, ACRF Supporter
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