What To Get Dad: DONATE A GIFT TO CANCER RESEARCH ON FATHER’S DAY Posted on August 25, 2016September 5, 2018 by Carly du Toit With Father’s Day just around the corner, we all will be thinking about what to get Dad and how to show Dad that we care. Rather than filling his cupboard with more unwanted gifts like socks, jocks and ‘World’s Greatest Dad’ mugs, why not donate in his name to cancer research? Why Donate a Gift to Cancer Research on Father’s Day? September is the month where we raise awareness for the most common cancers affecting Australian men. 1 in 5 men will develop prostate cancer before the age of 85, and the five year survival rate for bowel cancer in men is 66.2 percent. This means now, more than ever, we need to support researchers who are working to outsmart cancers affecting men. It’s also the month where we celebrate one of the most important men in our lives on Father’s Day. If you’re stuck for what to buy for Dad, donations to charity are a meaningful gift, particularly if someone he knows has been affected by cancer. When you make a donation to cancer research in place of a gift you’ll be helping speed up cancer research discoveries and bring new hope for the future. What better way to make Dad feel really special this Father’s Day than for him to know that you’ve donated in his honour to fund world-class research into ending cancer! What can you do with Dad to Fundraise for Men’s Cancer Month? One of the best gifts you can give to Dad is your time. Organising a fundraiser with Dad can be a great Father’s Day bonding activity. If you and Dad would like to fundraise for Men’s Cancer Month, but aren’t quite sure how to get started, then we’ve got some ideas for you to make a difference: Dinner Party: Organise a dinner party where all the Dad’s in the family give up Father’s Day privileges and prepare dinner for the guests. Attendees need to make a minimum donation set by the hosts. Garage Sale: Make room for new Father’s Day gifts by selling unwanted items to the community and donating the profits to cancer research. Golf Tournament: Is Dad or Grandpa skilled on the green? Organise a golf tournament and ask participants for a small donation. Quiz Night: If Dad isn’t so savvy with a golf club, perhaps a trivia card is more his forte. Host a trivia night and ask for a small donation from each team of players. Walk to Outsmart Cancer: If you would prefer one on one time with Dad, trek to an exciting destination this Father’s Day. Never doubt the impact even a small donation can have. You can help researchers make new ground on their projects, and improve the technology which detects, diagnoses and treats all types of cancer. Support Cancer Research at your Father’s Day Lunch If you and your family are throwing a party or holding a lunch for Dad this Father’s Day, why not turn the affair into a fundraising activity the whole family can participate in. It’ll make the day a fun and memorable experience for all involved. Honour Dad, Grandpa and other men in the family with these easy to execute fundraising ideas: Swear Jar: Is there a relative or two who are a little loose on the lips? For larger gatherings, use a swear jar to raise money for cancer research, and give Dad’s ears a break (assuming he’s not the culprit!). Headshave: Symbolically remove your hair and encourage others in the family to do the same. This gesture makes a statement of love for someone you or Dad knows who’s been affected by cancer. BBQ and Raffle: Make the event itself a charity fundraiser! Extend the invitation to your friends and neighbours and hold a raffle in support of cancer research. Whether your donation is in lieu of a gift, or you choose to host a fundraising event, Dad will appreciate the meaningful gesture this Father’s Day. DONATE NOW GET INVOLVED
How you can end men’s cancers this Blue September Posted on September 7, 2015September 12, 2018 by Carly du Toit Blue September is a month dedicated to raising awareness of the risks that cancers pose to men. The campaign encourages men to stay diligent about their health and helps to raise funds for world-class research into the prevention, treatments and ultimately cures for some of the most common cancers affecting men. In Australia, one in two Australian men will get cancer in their lifetime – that’s 20% more men than women who will be touched by this terrible disease. Despite this statistic, men often tend to have a bad track record when it comes to looking after their own health. This is why we would like to invite you to join us in celebrating or remembering the men who are important to you and encourage them to start thinking about their health and family histories with cancer. There are lots of great ways you can get involved to help prevent cancer in men: Edited in September 2018: You can support our current Men’s Cancer Month campaign here.
Hope from Heartache: The Dillon Family Honour Their Beloved Grandfathers Posted on August 20, 2015March 14, 2018 by Carly du Toit “Unfortunately both my husband Travis and I suddenly lost our fathers to cancer within two and a half years of each other. Both of these wonderful men had only recently retired and were looking forward to making plans for their futures. They were in their mid-sixties and had worked hard in the agricultural industry all their lives. The impact of losing a parent was made even worse knowing our young children would no longer get to enjoy such precious times with their adored Poppa and Grandpa. It has now been over six years since I lost my Dad and not a day goes by where I don’t think of him. I miss him dearly, and every now and then I’ll pick up the phone to call him before remembering that it’s not possible anymore. Following my Dad’s funeral, Travis and I wanted to do something positive to help prevent others from suffering the same devastating loss. We decided the best way to do this was to support the hard working cancer research scientists trying to find cures for this cruel disease. As we had lost our fathers to different types of cancer – kidney and prostate, we looked for a foundation that researches cures for all cancers. We chose the ACRF as they are committed to funding research in Australia that aims to end all cancers. We now make a contribution every month in memory of our fathers. We’re happy to do our part in the fight against cancer and hope that in the future more children will be able to grow up experiencing the joy of spending time with their grandparents. We are proud to be ACRF supporters and every month we receive updates and eagerly read about the ground-breaking discoveries being made. We believe that without cancer research many more families will be deprived of valuable time with their loved ones. While there is nothing that can be done in our sad situation, we take comfort in the precious memories we made with our fathers and hold out hope for families in the future.” – Sally and Travis Dillon Learn more about becoming a regular giver. Share your story
Brave ACRF supporters skydive for cancer research Posted on August 7, 2015March 14, 2018 by Carly du Toit With Father’s day right around the corner, we’re looking back at some of the unique ways ACRF supporters have chosen to celebrate this special day. Last year the ACRF held a Father’s Day jump in Wollongong where an extremely brave and inspirational team of four siblings did the jump in memory of their father. As the year progressed we discovered how Father’s Day was just one of many reasons that our supporters chose to take on this challenge. Susanne Richter was inspired to raise money for Cancer Research as her grandma, grandpa and dad all fought different kinds of cancer. “My dad successfully fought prostate cancer,” says Susanne. “He is now well and enjoying his retirement but getting there has been really tough. I made the decision to jump for ACRF because there is still so much research that needs to be done to ensure that everyone’s story has a happy ending like my dad’s.” Susanne jumped with 10 other ACRF supporters who went above and beyond, raising more than $34,000 for world-class cancer research. “I am so happy to support such a wonderful cause and I am very proud of us and the incredible amount of money that was raised. This was definitely an experience I will never forget!” ACRF jumper and cancer survivor, Maria De Virgilio, shared her thoughts on why she took the plunge and how she feels that she is living proof that that cancer research will save lives. “Cancer does not have to be a death sentence, it’s an illness and it’s one we are getting better at fighting with new treatments, and support groups, and most importantly ongoing research.” She teamed up with her sister Teresa and best friend Vicky to celebrate her strength and pay tribute to her friends and family who also battled the disease. Where as Krystyna Pollard chose to make the jump as brave gesture in support of her mother’s fight against pancreatic cancer. “I hope that by flinging myself out of a plane I can not only raise money so someone, somewhere can perhaps find a cure for this disease, but so I can face some fear of my own and overcome it. Just like mum is,” says Krystyna. We are inspired by each and every one of these amazing Jumpers– we cannot thank them enough for their bravery, determination and generosity.
James and Kirsty have their eyes on the finish line Posted on July 29, 2015March 14, 2018 by Carly du Toit “ For us, this year is about not letting anything come between us and our dreams – this was the advice my Dad, Mick always gave me.” This September, James Robson and fiancé Kirsty Donovan will be heading to Europe to run in the Berlin Marathon. James has been a dedicated ACRF supporter for many years. “While my Dad was receiving chemotherapy treatment back in the UK, I felt like there wasn’t a lot I could do from 12,000 miles away, so I decided to raise as much money as possible to help eradicate this disease.” “For years I ran in his honour. I ran Iron Man challenges, half marathons and more; running to prevent the sadness, raising money to give every step more meaning in the hopes that Dad might survive his cancer.” “After three long years of fighting brain tumours, Dad lost his battle with the disease and passed away. I was on a plane home to him as soon as I received the phone call and was able to make it in time to say goodbye. It will be almost a year but it still feels like yesterday.” “Now I am running in his memory. The ACRF is very close to our hearts and running to raise funds is a way for us to take on a personal challenge at the same time as hitting back at cancer.” With the help of generous family and friends the couple have raised an astounding $25,000. James and Kirsty continually strive to move onwards and upwards. With each event they participate in, they continue to challenge both their physical and mental endurance. “People all over the world are fighting for their lives and they have no rest, so we’ve decided to carry on going to really make a difference and help more people.” Already this year, they took on the Sydney Half Marathon. “Together we hope to keep going for the full 42km until we reach the Brandenburg Gate.” We wish James and Kirsty the best of luck, and thank them for their ongoing support. Click here to show your support for James and Kirsty. Share your story
Cancer scientists can now explain a third of the inherited risk of prostate cancer Posted on September 18, 2014February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit An exciting discovery during a major international study has revealed cancer scientists can now identify men at a 6-fold increased risk of prostate cancer. Cancer scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, together with researchers in Cambridge, and California found 23 new genetic variants associated with increased risk of the disease. The study means that scientists can now explain 33% of the inherited origins of prostate cancer in European men and will contribute to determining whether these genetic markers can improve on other tests for the disease. Professor Ros Eeles, Professor of Oncogenetics at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and Honorary Consultant in Clinical Oncology at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said, “Our study tells us more about the effect of the genetic hand that men are dealt on their risk of prostate cancer. “We know that there are a few major genes that are rare and significantly affect prostate cancer risk, but what we are now learning is that there are many other common genetic variants that individually have only a small effect on risk, but collectively can be very important.” They are now investigating whether genetic testing could help diagnose more men at risk of developing dangerous forms of prostate cancer that need urgent treatment – something that the current test is unable to determine. “Building on previous research, this study gives a more complete list of these factors, bringing us closer to knowing who may need screening for prostate cancer and which men may benefit from early treatment. More work needs to be done, but identifying these genetic factors will allow us to better understand the disease and maybe even develop new treatments,” said Professor Eeles. In Australia, 22,000 men die from cancer every year and one in two Australian men will get cancer in their lifetime – that’s 20% more men than women who will be touched by this terrible disease. This September is Blue September, an annual campaign that encourages all Australians to face up to cancer in men and promotes research into men’s cancers. If you are able to make a donation to men’s cancer research this September and help speed up research discoveries like this, we thank you so very much.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Cancer researchers find prostate cancer “Achilles Heel” and move closer to a new treatment Posted on October 15, 2013February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit An international group of scientists from Australia and Canada are getting closer to a new treatment for prostate cancer that works by starving tumours of an essential nutrient. Dr Jeff Holst from Sydney’s Centenary Institute, and his colleagues from Adelaide, Brisbane and Vancouver have shown they can slow the growth of prostate cancer by stopping the protein ‘leucine’ from being pumped into tumour cells. Leucine is involved in cell division and making proteins. It ‘feeds’ cell growth by being pumped through ‘protein pumps’ on the surface of our cells. In 2011, Dr Holst and his colleagues showed that prostate cancer cells have more ‘protein pumps’ on their surface compared with normal cells. These pumps are allowing the cancer cell to take in more leucine, thereby stimulating overactive cell division. Continue reading “Cancer researchers find prostate cancer “Achilles Heel” and move closer to a new treatment”
Blue September starts this Father’s Day! Posted on August 31, 2013September 12, 2018 by Carly du Toit Blue September is a campaign in which we’re encouraging all Australians to face up to cancer in men. Starting this Sunday, we’re asking you to get blue and help raise awareness about men’s cancers. 22,000 Australian men die from cancer every year, but at the ACRF we want to turn this statistic around. You can help by hosting a blue themed fundraiser, purchasing one of our limited edition Blue September wristbands, or by donating to vital research into the cancers that affect men most! Continue reading “Blue September starts this Father’s Day!”
AGT winner Andrew De Silva shines a spotlight on cancer research Posted on July 25, 2012February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit Andrew De Silva’s knowledge of the Australian music scene stems back further than most. A taste of fame in the nineties as part of popular music group CDB has set the stage for what anyone can see is an exciting second chance for this amazing vocalist. His incredible success as the Seven Network’s ‘Australia’s Got Talent’ Winner has also allowed Andrew to tell his story to the world. “Cancer research is so important to me. Not only has it affected me personally, but it has also affected my family and so many friends,” Andrew told us. “I’ve watched it take the lives of the young & old, and then it also changes the lives of the people that are left behind.” Andrew has touched so many hearts as he has progressed through the reality television competition and shared his progressive soul/rock originals. We are delighted and humbled to be able to call him an Australian Cancer Research Foundation Ambassador, and to learn more about his journey through cancer: Continue reading “AGT winner Andrew De Silva shines a spotlight on cancer research”
Thanks for supporting Blue September Posted on October 14, 2011September 12, 2018 by Carly du Toit The ACRF sends a big thank you to everyone who took part in Blue September this year, by getting blue, by raising funds, by purchasing Blue September products and by helping to raise awareness about men’s cancers. We had a very successful campaign this year which wouldn’t have been possible without our wonderful supporters, here is a snapshot of some of their events… Scarff Recruitment Solutions got out into the town at Bunnings Harbourside and put on a fabulous BBQ! Loads of people turned out to support the blue faced team & make a contribution to cancer research – raising over $1,800!! Southside Malibu Club chose Blue September as their charity of choice for the 2011 Willett Johnston Spring Classic. The club supports a charity each year & helped Cronulla get blue this year, donating $1,500 to the cause as well. Continue reading “Thanks for supporting Blue September”
Blue September – thank you for getting blue for cancer in men Posted on October 14, 2010September 12, 2018 by Carly du Toit A great big blue thank you for Blue September 2010 The Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) wishes to thank everyone who supported Blue September 2010. We are especially grateful for the support from all our fabulous fundraisers who organised numerous events across Australia at their workplace, at school, and in their communities. Ranging from blue morning teas and blue dress days, to blue BBQs and blue footy matches, our supporters were a driving force in promoting the health of the men in our lives throughout September. Thank you also to all the Blue September corporate partners and ambassadors for their tremendous support and for making a vital contribution to the fight against cancer in men. Blue September is a national awareness campaign promoting men’s health, encouraging prevention and early detection of the most common cancers in men, while raising funds for vital cancer research. Continue reading “Blue September – thank you for getting blue for cancer in men”
Thank you Australia for getting behind Blue Friday! Posted on September 3, 2010March 8, 2018 by Carly du Toit From local schools, to sporting icons, and workplace champions, we thank all our supporters who unleashed their creativity for all things BLUE to support men facing up to cancer on BLUE FRIDAY. Armed with blue paint and flyers, representatives from our corporate supporters, PepsiCo Australia & New Zealand and Ernst & Young, volunteered their time on Blue Friday to spread the word on the street. An amazing effort, for which we thank them very much Blue Friday celebrations were also a highlight over the Father’s Day weekend at Officeworks – with team members across Australia busy hosting a variety of activities for children, including blue face painting, in return for a gold coin. Local shop owners also rallied behind the cause, proudly displaying Blue September flyers and raising awareness of cancers in men among patrons. Continue reading “Thank you Australia for getting behind Blue Friday!”
Blue September: men facing up to cancer Posted on August 31, 2010February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit Blue September sees the Australian Cancer Research Foundation turning blue for a whole month to raise awareness for cancer in men. We’re asking everyone to please Get Blue and support BLUE SEPTEMBER. Supporting the Australian Cancer Research Foundation and Bowel Cancer Australia, Blue September launches across the nation on 1st September, and it is about one thing: men facing up to cancer. Why Blue? Its Simple – Blue is for boys! Continue reading “Blue September: men facing up to cancer”
