Lynn Moffitt: Loyal ACRF supporter and Bequestor

When Lynn Moffitt (above, left) lost her twin sister Jean to Ovarian cancer in January 1993, she looked for a way to honour her sister’s memory. She researched cancer organisations and was impressed by the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF). 

“I called ACRF, made my first donation and I liked what I heard so I asked if they needed volunteers? 

In 1995, soon after I retired, I became ACRF’s very first volunteer in their Redfern office. 

“The office was so small back then, with a tiny team of three staff plus me, all crammed in. I got to know them all and it has been wonderful to watch ACRF grow and see all the amazing advancements in cancer research.  

“In 2003 my husband Ron and I moved from Sydney to Port Stephens to retire. I still wanted to volunteer for ACRF so I drove to Sydney once a month. Sadly, in 2005, Ron passed away unexpectedly from bowel cancer. For me, this underlined the importance of supporting ACRF. More than ever I valued their work and looked forward to reading the newsletters and learning about all the great research.  

“In 2007, I met my partner Larry at my local Probus Club. We had a lovely partnership and he too became a loyal ACRF supporter. We both enjoyed attending the Chairman’s Dinner each year, seeing the scientists receive their research grants.  

“The very last Chairman’s dinner Larry and I attended together, Larry was going through treatment for Multiple Myeloma. We were both so thrilled to be sat at a table with an amazing young scientist whose work focused on Multiple Myeloma. There isn’t a lot known about this cancer, so we were excited to see him receive a grant for the great work he was doing.   

In April 2017, after ten wonderful years together, Larry too passed from his cancer.  

“Cancer has taken so many of my family members, I am so grateful for the work of ACRF.  

“The work ACRF does gives me great comfort and I am very proud to say that I have shown my commitment to ACRF by including a gift in my Will. It is my strong belief that the real cure for cancer is just around the corner and I trust that my legacy will make a difference in the future.   

“These days I can’t travel to Sydney regularly, but I am a monthly regular giver and look forward to reading the ACRF newsletters which always include promising outcomes in cancer research.  

“I was thrilled when ACRF sent a speaker to Port Stephens to address my Probus and Rotary Clubs and my U3A group, about recent outcomes in cancer research. It was wonderful for my peers to hear first-hand all the good work ACRF is doing. 

“Mine is only one story, but I am sure it resonates with many families touched by cancer.  I believe the only way to ensure we get on top of this disease is through funding more research. No matter the size of your donation or your bequest, if it is going to ACRF, it will be put to very good use.”

Each year, ACRF hosts Wills Days for those needing to create a Simple Will. For more information about ACRF Wills Days or leaving a bequest to ACRF, please contact us: 02 9223 7833 or email bequests@acrf.com.au