Erin Prepares To JUMP! For Cancer Research Posted on September 30, 2015March 13, 2018 by Carly du Toit ACRF Supporter, Erin Headington has a passion for helping people and isn’t afraid of taking on a challenge. In December, shortly after she graduates university as a Registered Nurse, Erin will take the plunge and skydive for cancer research. “I’m making the jump in honour of my cousin who was diagnosed with lymphoma in June. It was a huge shock at first as she was just 24 years old. We’re only a year and half apart and we have a very close relationship. It’s really horrible knowing she has been having a really tough time with the side-effects of chemotherapy. Her mother, father and brother have not been coping well with the diagnoses. Their family have experienced a lot of loss in the last 3 years and are now coming to terms with my cousin fighting cancer at such a young age. I decided to do something to support my cousin and her family so I began researching ways to help cancer patients. When I came across the ACRF I thought that raising money for cancer research would be a good way to do my part to help find a cure. I want to prevent others from enduring this devastating disease in the future. The ACRF JUMP! skydiving challenge really appealed to me as I’ve always been a thrill-seeker at heart. It’s great to know there are so many different ways to get involved – especially since I could never picture myself running in a marathon. I would really encourage others to find a fun and achievable challenge that suits them too. At the moment I’m very busy managing two jobs and studying full time – so if I can do it, anyone can!” Show Erin your support. Erin will also be raising funds for the ACRF with a sausage sizzle out the front of Woolworths Shellharbour on Sunday 22 November between 10am-2pm. 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.
Birthday fundraiser sees Rob Kendall, 76, take the plunge for cancer research! Posted on March 12, 2014February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit Free falling through the air at almost 200km per hour isn’t everybody’s cup of tea. However, ACRF supporter and cancer survivor, Robert Kendall, on 15 March, will be conquering his fear of heights and skydiving for cancer research. Robert will also be doing this in celebration of his 76th birthday! Continue reading “Birthday fundraiser sees Rob Kendall, 76, take the plunge for cancer research!”
