Half Marathon for Our Yiayia

Hello Family & Friends,

As many of you know, Yiayia’s cancer journey began in mid 2017 when cancer cells from her colon spread to her liver and lungs.  Our matriarch has taken on the obstacles with strength, grace and acceptance.

Unfortunately, for our beautiful Yiayia, the current treatment available for stage 4 colon cancer has been unsuccessful and she has made the courageous decision to stop her chemotherapy, telling us that she prefers quality of life over quantity.  With the utmost admiration, love and broken hearts - we respect her difficult decision; however, my family and I, remain positive that one day there will be the option of both quality and quantity for this type of cancer.

With this said, I have decided to participate in the Blackmores Half Marathon on 15th September to raise funds for Bowel Cancer Australia in honour of our incredible Yiayia’s journey.  Bowel cancer is currently the second biggest cancer killer in Australia (with lung cancer being the biggest) - however, bowel cancer receives 43.5% less research funding from the National Health & Medical Research Council compared to breast cancer; and no government funding to support dedicated Bowel Care Nurse Specialists.

To date, the Federal Government has committed a total of $113 million for dedicated breast and prostate nurse specialists; however, they have never funded bowel care nurse specialists - Bowel Cancer Australia provides Bowel Care Nurse Services, Australia wide.

$25 provides bowel cancer patients and their loved ones with empowering resources to help them live with bowel cancer.

$100 helps connect patients through Bowel Cancer Australia’s peer to peer support network.

$500 helps fund one part-time Bowel Cancer Nurse for one week.

Any donation, big or small, truly does make a difference.  If you are able to make a contribution to this cause, it would be received with great appreciation.

With big love, gratitude and unshakeable hope for my Yiayia and all cancer patients...

Mel x x x