Introducing our 2016 City2Surf Ambassador! Posted on May 20, 2016March 19, 2018 by Carly du Toit We’re excited to announce our first ever Team ACRF City2Surf Ambassador, Jessica Broome. Jess is an incredibly positive young woman with a close connection to cancer research. We are honoured to have her join us this year as our Ambassador. The last time Jess ran with Team ACRF was in 2014. Her Dad had been diagnosed with cancer eight years earlier, and she ran in support of his journey. After crossing the finish line, having raised over $1,600 for cancer research, she celebrated with a toast to her Dad. This year Jess will be running again. “I’m passionate about cancer research because I lost my Dad to cancer in April this year. A month before we lost him, I watched him walk up the hospital hallway and achieve the massive goal he had been working towards with his physio team. It seemed impossible to most of us, but he was always determined to get better. He was a fighter, not just as a fireman, but in the way he refused to give up. We were fortunate that he qualified for numerous medical trials which managed to get him through each year. For ten years they kept coming back with something new, like a magic trick that the researchers would pull out of a hat. Each new trial medication that came around, he would give it a go – no matter what. There were many years where we thought to ourselves: ‘This is it. This is the last Christmas, this is the last father’s day’…but it never was. Thanks to those trials our family was able to spend more precious time with him, which meant so much to us. Dad loved to travel, so we were able to get in some extra holidays together. He also had the chance to ensure his family, including his now 94-year-old Mum, would be okay. We even managed to squeeze in a few more parties with him! Mum and I were playing all his favourite songs on his last day, one of those songs was Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffett. We were dancing around his bed like mad women.They say that hearing is the last thing to go, so I just know this would have made him happy. He suffered many different cancers over the last ten years, but it was brain cancer that took him in the end. I feel that was the worst for him to go through. I’d really like to see a trial medication to treat this, other than steroids and pain killers. I know researchers are going to get there in time. This is why I have decided to participate in this year’s City2Surf for cancer research. It’s a great way to support a great cause. I’m not the best runner, but I really enjoy it. I think it will probably be quite a challenge as I haven’t been running for quite a while. My Dad was always telling me to get back into it, so now I’m doing it! I think he would really love that I’m getting involved. He always liked to make sure he thanked people when they helped him. So this is my thank you on his behalf. I’ll know I’ll probably cry through the finish line, but afterwards, I plan to throw one hell of a party! That’s how he would do it!” Jessica Broome ACRF City2Surf Ambassador
New genome sequencing technologies for childhood cancer patients Posted on May 18, 2016March 19, 2018 by Carly du Toit Australian children with high-risk cancer will have access to new genome sequencing technologies that could help guide their treatment thanks to the Lions Kids Cancer Genome Project. The Zero Childhood Cancer Program launched in September 2015 and is currently one of the most detailed genetic and biological analyses of children’s cancer globally. The Lions Kids Cancer Genome project will serve as an important new component to the program as it expands its efforts. Whole genome sequencing will take place following diagnosis or relapse of cancers with the poorest prognoses, such as brain tumours. Sequencing looks at each child’s entire genome and its 20,000+ genes in order to define the genetic changes associated with a given cancer. This makes it possible to develop personalised cancer treatment by integrating genetic information with other biological and clinical data. In addition, the study will identify genetic changes in each child’s DNA that might predispose a person to cancer, helping to build up a database of genetic risk factors that could assist with prevention and treatment strategies in the future. At any one time in Australia, over 2,000 children, adolescents, and young adults, are on active treatment for cancer or at risk of relapse. In most cases, the treatments used are general, non-targeted, cytotoxic drugs and the side effects from treatment can be serious and lifelong. The Zero Childhood Cancer Program is a national initiative of Children’s Cancer Institute (CCI) and The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, giving hope to children with the highest risk of treatment failure or relapse. Genome sequencing and analysis for the project will be carried out at Garvan Institute of Medical Research’s Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics. The Lions Kids Cancer Genome Project is supported by the Lions Club International Foundation and by the Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation. The project will roll out through the Zero Childhood Cancer Program to children’s hospitals across Australia in 2017. The Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) welcomes the new initiative and partnership which will contribute towards improving children’s quality of life and ending all childhood cancers. ACRF has supported Children’s Cancer Institute, including the Zero Childhood Program, by providing three grants, totalling AUD $5.1million, towards cutting edge cancer research equipment and technology. ACRF has also supported cancer research at Garvan Institute of Medical Research, including the Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, with three grants, totalling AUD $6.13million. The original news post was published on the CCI and Garvan websites.
The forever kind of friend Posted on May 11, 2016February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit ACRF supporter, Brett will be participating in Perth’s Run for a Reason in memory of his best friend Steph. “Twenty years ago, at 18 years old, Steph and I met through a friend and grew close from that day on. We were quite similar – we both loved to socialise and have fun. We were always laughing and never took life too seriously. Her quick, witty humour was my favourite part about her. Throughout our years of friendship, I would have to say, she helped shape me into the person I am today. Just under two years ago, Steph found out she had bowel cancer. It was devastating news but we thought, since she was young, her chances of survival would be good. They weren’t. When the tests came in we were told she had stage four cancer and it had already spread throughout her body. Steph, being the trooper that she was, fought a hard eight months and went through 20 rounds of chemo before passing last year. And she did it all with the utmost grace, I will always admire that. I decided to raise funds for cancer research because I felt I had to do something to help. This is the first time in my life that something like this has happened. Before Steph, I’d never lost anyone close to me. I believe it’s so important to support cancer research. Cancer is such and cruel and unforgiving disease and until it affects you or a loved one, you don’t realise how important it is to improve early detection and treatments for patients. This is my first running event. Since Steph’s passing, I was looking for a way to play some part in raising money for cancer research and Run for a Reason seemed like the perfect opportunity. Thank you to all my generous friends and family who have been so keen to support me. I hope that, by sharing this story, I can encourage others to get involved and come together to help end cancer.” – Brett Stubbs-Mills, ACRF supporter If you would like to show your support for Brett, please click here.
Mark’s eyes are on the finish line Posted on April 8, 2016February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit “I am 44 years old and have lived in Australia now for over 10 years. Last year, I had a very big scare when I was diagnosed with kidney cancer and had to have my kidney removed as a result. Discovering the cancer was completely incidental. I had no symptoms or impaired renal function. About eight months ago I was admitted to the hospital with lower bowel pain. The doctors performed a CT scan and found that I had colitis. They also noticed something that looked like a cyst in my right kidney. They advised me to get it investigated further so a few weeks later I had another scan. The result came back as “consistent with a cystic renal cell carcinoma.” It was in the very centre of my kidney. It was just two months from when we first saw the mass, to when I underwent surgery to remove my whole kidney. In that time the mass had doubled in size and the final pathology found that it was a grade 2 cystic renal cell carcinoma. Whilst I have enjoyed a good recovery and my prognosis is very good, there are many people and families who are not so fortunate. We need better diagnosis and treatments to help battle this terrible illness that has struck down so many of our loved ones. To help raise funds for cancer research, I decided to run in the Australian Running Festival’s Canberra Times half marathon. In 2015, I participated in the half marathon to prove to myself that I could still be healthy and active after a spinal fusion I’d had a few years earlier. This year I’ll be motivated to raise funds for cancer research, not only because of my own battle but for all my family and friends who have battled cancer, many of whom have sadly passed away. I want to try for a personal best but I have had to make big changes to my training. The biggest being that that I have only had eight weeks to prepare. Prior to that, I was not allowed to do any exercise, as I had to allow the stomach muscles to completely heal. It will make this year’s half marathon very challenging for me but running is not just about the physical activity, it also takes mental endurance. I hope that we can encourage more people to support cancer research so that the teams of scientists – the unsung heroes in this battle, can achieve breakthroughs that save lives. Thank you to everyone who has helped and supported me over the past six months as I have recovered and to those who have so generously donated to my page.” – ACRF supporter, Mark Potten. To support Mark’s fundraising page, click here.
What research did for breast cancer patient, Shona Posted on February 25, 2016February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit “My name is Shona. I’m a mother of two young girls, aged 6 and 10, and a police officer from Canberra. In November last year, a week after my 39th birthday, I discovered a lump in my left breast. I had never been diligent about self-checking. I always thought I was too young to contemplate breast cancer but I had a feeling that this lump hadn’t been there before. I reluctantly went to see my GP in the hope she would tell me it was nothing to worry about – she didn’t. She sent me in for testing and two days later I was booked in for an ultrasound and biopsy. The results came back the following day and I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. The next few days were all a whirlwind and it felt like my feet didn’t touch the ground. I was quickly referred to a breast cancer surgeon and put in contact with a breast care nurse at Calvary Hospital. Within two weeks of my diagnosis, I underwent a mastectomy. I will be forever grateful that my lymph nodes were clear and I was sent home from the hospital three days later. I recovered from the operation with absolutely no complications and was able to return to work a few weeks later. My medical team suggested that I have Oncotype DX testing to determine what treatment plan I would need. I only realised how important this testing was when the results came back and showed I wouldn’t have to undergo chemotherapy. Without the testing, my oncologist would have recommended chemotherapy. I am undergoing endocrine therapy, which is not without side effects, but thankfully they are minimal. Which means that I’ll be well enough to run in the Australian Running Festival half marathon in April to raise funds for cancer research. I have now been given the all clear and I consider myself very lucky. Sadly I lost my grandmother to bowel cancer and two amazing women in my extended family to breast cancer. I am the first woman in my immediate family to undergo treatment for breast cancer and I never want to see my sisters or daughters go through what I had to. I’m astounded by the overwhelming support I have received from my family, friends and especially my colleagues. I am so proud of my fellow brothers and sisters in blue, their generous donations have contributed to over 90% of my current fundraising total. We really try to support each other during the tough times – they are my extended family and I love them all. I will carry scars into the future as a testament to my battle but I am determined to not let cancer kill me. I have two amazing and beautiful daughters that need their mum and I am supported by the most incredible man I call my husband. This has been a tough time for me and my family but I am thankful that I am one of the lucky ones. Early detection and superb medical intervention means I will survive. I hope that by sharing my story I can make people aware of the importance of early detection and self-breast checks, and help raise funds for cancer research.” – ACRF supporter, Shona Davis. Click here to support Shona’s Canberra Times Half Marathon. Share your story
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
Running for S.T.E.F – Elderene is on a mission to Stop Tumours Ending Friendships Posted on July 23, 2015March 14, 2018 by Carly du Toit Earlier this year, Stephanie Barker was preparing to run the Mackay half marathon when she realised something wasn’t right. Just days after running 10km, she was flown to Townsville for treatment for an aggressive grade four brain tumour. “I was totally unaware of what it was to have a tumour, or a mass, or brain cancer, I am so lucky the emergency room doctor was able to stabilise me in Mackay. Once stable, I was flown to the Townsville Hospital where I underwent major brain surgery.” Before the surgery, Stephanie’s brain tumour was the size of an orange, which meant that she could only spend two weeks at home over Easter before heading back to Townsville to undergo six more weeks of daily radiation and chemotherapy. It was there she met Elderene, a Senior Radiation Therapist and soon to be friend. “We were surprised to find that we have so much in common, we are both originally from Africa and had spent time living in England before getting married and making the move to sunny Queensland.” The similarities didn’t end there – Stef and Elderene also share a passion for running. “I had been training for the Mackay run before being diagnosed but, unfortunately, doctors advised me not to run.” “Being the character that I am, I started joking that Elderene should run in my place.” What Stef didn’t know at the time was that Elderene had actually completed 22 full marathons. “Unlike me she’s a veteran of distance – I’m in awe of her as I have to drag myself over the line in a half marathon.” Elderene assured her that 42.2km is nothing compared to having to battle a grade four brain tumour.” A few days later, Elderene had some big news for Stef, “Elderene was bursting with excitement as she told me that she had been given a spot in the 2016 London Marathon, and that she would be running for me!” “I am still stunned, so overwhelmed! Elderene had taken me so seriously that she is now going to travel 16,000km at her expense to run for me in the London Marathon.” ‘S.T.E.F’ became an inspiring acronym for the ‘Running for Stef’ Fundraising Campaign: Stop Tumours Ending Friendships. Elderene explained that raising money and awareness made her feel like she was playing her part. “I want to see a cure for cancer in my lifetime and my aim is to raise $10,000 for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation for Stef and the thousands of people who are battling cancer.” Click here to support Elderene. Share your story
Nikki and Joey – Fundraising for a Friend Posted on August 22, 2014February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit Here at ACRF we are extremely humbled to have such fantastic and loyal supporters that continue to go above and beyond in their efforts to raise money for cancer research. Sadly, many of our supporters have been touched by cancer personally, and their heartbreak and grief are what drives them to make a difference in the hope that nobody has to experience what they’ve gone through. We’re incredibly humbled to share with you Nikki and Joey’s story – a story which has driven two ladies to fight cancer through research, in memory of their friend. Last year Nikki and Joey met Sarah, a girl from America who was interning at Baseball Australia, where Nikki worked. The three girls hit it off instantly. Sarah was bubbly, happy and had a zest for life. After returning home to Philadelphia, Sarah was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma – a rare type of bone cancer that usually occurs in children and young adults. “It was such a shock when we found out and it made us want to make a difference, even if it was small,” Nikki and Joey wrote when they found out about Sarah’s cancer. “Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer and there is still so much more research to be done. Sarah is a strong individual and we know she will kick cancers butt.” The girls set themselves the challenge of running the half marathon in the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival in September, and they’ve already smashed their fundraising efforts by more than doubling their target so far. Feel free to click on the above link to view their fundraising page and add a message of support. In the midst of their training, Nikki planned to visit Sarah in Philadelphia to boost her spirits while she was receiving treatment. However in a heartbreaking turn of events, Sarah’s condition deteriorated and she passed away a few days before Nikki arrived. At her funeral, Nikki met all of Sarah’s family and friends and through her grief decided that she wanted to plan another event to raise as much money as possible for cancer research. Together with their Mum, Nikki and Joey are now busily organising their fundraising event for next month, so keep your eyes on our Events Calendar where we’ll bring you all the details of the night very soon. We’d like to thank Nikki and Joey for sharing this story with us, and send our condolences for their terrible loss.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Ovarian Cancer Awareness month kicks off with significant discovery Posted on February 4, 2014February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit We begin Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month with news of fantastic progress by researchers at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), who have made significant headway into understanding one of the deadliest forms of the disease. These Aussie cancer scientists have identified two enzymes that make serous ovarian cancer resistant to chemotherapy, and can be targeted to improve treatment results. Serous ovarian cancer is generally an aggressive type of cancer. Due to its location it can move quickly from the ovaries to the abdominal cavity where it then spreads throughout the body quite rapidly. Continue reading “Ovarian Cancer Awareness month kicks off with significant discovery”
Ovarian Cancer Awareness month kicks off with significant discovery Posted on February 4, 2014February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit We begin Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month with news of fantastic progress by researchers at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), who have made significant headway into understanding one of the deadliest forms of the disease. These Aussie cancer scientists have identified two enzymes that make serous ovarian cancer resistant to chemotherapy, and can be targeted to improve treatment results. Serous ovarian cancer is generally an aggressive type of cancer. Due to its location it can move quickly from the ovaries to the abdominal cavity where it then spreads throughout the body quite rapidly. Continue reading “Ovarian Cancer Awareness month kicks off with significant discovery”
The Believers race a wheelbarrow towards an incredible cancer fundraising finish-line! Posted on July 2, 2013February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit A team of ten amazing fundraisers have pushed a wheelbarrow for more than 140kms across far north Queensland as part of the 10th Great Wheelbarrow Race, and they’ve done so for a most worthy cause: world-class cancer research. The Great Wheelbarrow Race takes participants along a historic road from Mareeba to Chillagoe, named Wheelbarrow Way in tribute to the miners of the 1800s that would travel between towns, using only a wheelbarrow to carry their possessions. The race started early on the morning of Friday 17 May, but our wonderful fundraising team, called The Believers, commenced their campaign much sooner than that. Continue reading “The Believers race a wheelbarrow towards an incredible cancer fundraising finish-line!”
ACRF fundraisers take part in the inaugural Brisbane City2South Posted on June 23, 2013February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit On Sunday 16 June, under a perfectly blue Brisbane sky, 25 runners for the ACRF joined a crowd of about 7,000 for Brisbane’s very first City2South. The sister event for Sydney’s famous City2Surf, the City2South attracted runners from all over to take on the 14km challenge. Runners of all ages made their way from the Botanic Gardens, along Coronation Drive, through the University of Queensland and back through Highgate Hill. We were lucky enough to be there on the day to meet with our runners and talk to them about the event and why they decided to turn this great event into a cancer fun run. One of our fundraisers, James Shaw, raised an epic $1,715 for cancer research: Continue reading “ACRF fundraisers take part in the inaugural Brisbane City2South”
Great day to Run Melbourne Posted on July 28, 2012February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit On July a5, the city of Melbourne was taken over by runners, joggers and walkers as part of Run Melbourne. Amongst the 26,000 competitors on the day were 105 supporters who chose to combine their race with cancer fundraising for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF). This stellar group was made up of all ages and included first timers and seasoned runners. For some this cancer fun run was a chance to regain their fitness, have some fun, or to challenge themselves. But for all there was also a more personal motivation – in many cases that was to run in honour of a loved one that was fighting cancer or had been lost to cancer. In the words of one supporter, Meredith, “It’s my hope that in some small way this run will honour the memory of a wonderful man who was a great father, husband, grandfather and friend to everyone he met, but it will also give hope to the thousands of families who’s fight against cancer continues”. In many cases those watching their loved ones fighting cancer feel helpless and for another supporter, Coralie, fundraising for cancer research as part of her running challenge was “the only thing within my power to do and could help people in the future”. Continue reading “Great day to Run Melbourne”
Running for a Reason Posted on June 8, 2012February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit On the 27th May 20,100 people ran, walked, jogged and strolled as part of the HBF Run for a Reason in Perth. For each and every person there would be a different reason for their run – perhaps for fun, fitness, as a dare, a challenge or just something to do, but for 31 individuals cancer research was a key part of their reason. The group of supporters for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) were made up of long time contributors and some new faces all with a connection to cancer research and a reason for doing cancer fundraising alongside their run. For some they were running in support of their loved ones who had conquered cancer, for others they were competing in memory of those they had lost – mothers, fathers, cousins and friends. For Christine, the passion for supporting the ACRF came from the feeling that “without the research, a cure, or at least more medications to help, would never be found” and for Cynthia it was a “want to do what I can to prevent anyone else in my family having to go through [cancer].” Continue reading “Running for a Reason”
A picturesque setting for a marathon challenge Posted on May 28, 2012February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit In a “moment of madness” supporter Rob Turner signed up for the Great Ocean Road Marathon. This stunning place in Australia hosts a marathon festival each year with record entries flowing in for 2012, the spectacular course seems to spur people on to take up the challenge of a marathon. Along with Rob were team Lorne Long Strides featuring Gabby, Emma, Eliza, Stephanie and Jessica, fundraising for cancer research. This group of supporters felt that doing cancer fundraising alongside their challenging run would “make it more worthwhile” and chose to support the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) specifically because of the impact of cancer in their lives through their friends and family. In particular for Rob, the operations and treatment his father has received through his cancer battle are “purely a testament to organizations like [ACRF] who work tirelessly to find a cure to cancer”. Continue reading “A picturesque setting for a marathon challenge”
Sun Run & Cole Classic Posted on February 16, 2012February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit More than 4,500 participants turned out on the 4th of February 2012 to take on the 6.5km (approximate) Sydney Morning Herald Sun Run from Dee Why to Manly. The following day, Sydney put on one of its best days of the summer at Australia’s largest ocean swim, the Sydney Morning Herald Cole Classic. The event was a great success despite the choppy conditions at Manly Beach. Amongst the competitors over the weekend were 15 enthusiastic ACRF supporters ready to run and swim in their events! A range of ages, abilities, and experience were represented in our supporter team this year – with many taking part in the races in honour of loved ones that had passed away from cancer. Many of the supporters had a great time making personal bests in their challenge, and many far exceeding their targets for fundraising as well! Continue reading “Sun Run & Cole Classic”
A miracle marathon in memory of her loved one Posted on December 6, 2011August 10, 2020 by Carly du Toit “The miracle is not that I finished, the miracle is that I had the courage to start.” When we met Gill Thomas a few months ago, she told us her inspiration was simply to work towards the hardest thing she could ever conceive of doing. So in memory of her late husband, Ian, and for all the people she has known and loved who have fought cancer, Gill prepared herself for the epic New York marathon. Gill left her home in Queensland for New York four days before the 42km run would be held on November 6th. Gill had not only trained hard in the lead-up to this marathon but she also managed to fundraise an incredible $13,000 for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation – donations in memory that will fight cancer for future generations. Now that the race has been run, Gill has shared her story. She talks of the pre-dawn wintry congregation at the starting line, of the gospel singers surrounding the streets of Harlem motivating her on, and of finally reaching Central Park and finding amazing reserves of energy once again to run the last kilometre towards the finish line! Experience the race through Gill’s eyes by clicking ‘read more’, below. If you too would like to contribute to cancer research with a donation in memory of a loved one, or by participating in a sporting event, please speak to ACRF about your ideas. Continue reading “A miracle marathon in memory of her loved one”
City2Surf 2011: ACRF will see you there! Posted on August 10, 2011November 13, 2018 by Carly du Toit The ACRF City2Surf team might need a little more training in the lead up to the City2Surf but we’re certainly not lacking in spirit! This Sunday 14 August, five eager ACRF staff will rise to the 14.2km challenge, joining millions of Australians in the biggest timed fun run in the world. To support our efforts with a small donation please click here, or click ‘more’ (below) to meet the team. If you are one of the 450+ supporters who are running the course for ACRF and you see one of our staff members throughout the day, please come and say hello. We’d love the opportunity to thank you in person for competing in support of cancer research. Best of luck everybody! Continue reading “City2Surf 2011: ACRF will see you there!”
Working up a sweat for cancer research Posted on August 31, 2010August 10, 2020 by Carly du Toit Last weekend over 50 fantastic ACRF supporters took part in 2 separate marathon events on opposite sides of the country, all in aid of cancer research. The Perth City2Surf saw more than 40,000 runners turn out to compete in Perth’s largest community sporting event. ACRF supporters were made up of cancer survivors, first time marathon runners, and many who have family, friends and colleagues who have been affected by cancer. They chose to support cancer research because “cancer is real in their lives” and a “very worthy cause” that has, or may some day, save their life. Bridge to Brisbane also took place over the weekend, drawing more than 50,000 participants to compete in this fun run. Cancer research is a cause close to the heart of all our supporters involved in the race. One of the Foundation’s ongoing supporters, Dee Handyside, took part in this race as her first physical challenge since finishing chemotherapy and wanted to take the opportunity to raise some funds and celebrate returning to an active life. Continue reading “Working up a sweat for cancer research”
The race that never ends Posted on August 31, 2010February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit When we first met Fred Pham, we knew he was a winner. Having already raised more than $30,000 for cancer research as part of the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) “Dream Team” and taking out first place in the City2Surf individual fundraising competition, Fred is as determined as ever to fulfill the dream of a world free of cancer for future generations. His supporters are now getting ready for the next big adventure in their massive fundraising campaign – the amazing FRED PHAM 500. Read more about the Fred Pham 500 (Media Release). Read more about Fred’s and his amazing journey – Cancer Research: Fred Pham a City2Surf winner Continue reading “The race that never ends”
Great Ocean Road Marathon Posted on May 16, 2010February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit The Great Ocean Road is recognised as one of the most scenic drives in the world – with a beautiful stretch of coastline and stunning views that captivate thousands of tourists each year. For one weekend a year, a large section of the road is closed down to accommodate more than 3,500 runners and 10,000 spectators for the world renowned Great Ocean Road Marathon. Workmates Sam Zalin and Chris Ricketts chose to challenge themselves in this gruelling 42km race and raise funds for cancer research at the same time. When asked why they chose to support the ACRF specifically, they said they both had friends and family whose lives had been impacted by cancer, and wanted to direct their money to an organisation that was “committed to research”. Registered nurse, Kate White also competed in the race in support of cancer research. A staff member at the Oncology Department of Royal Adelaide Hospital, Kate has a personal connection to this very special cause. Our three incredible supporters were overjoyed by the generosity of their families, friends and colleagues in sponsoring them for the race, and raised a fantastic $6,560 for cancer research. They all finished the race, some quicker than others, but all enjoyed the run. The ACRF thanks Sam, Chris & Kate for their fabulous support and congratulates them on their huge achievement completing the marathon. Read more on raising funds for cancer research in sporting events.
