Brain Cancer Awareness
Donation protected
What if it happened to you and your family, not once, but twice?
It’s always daunting when you’re seeking answers and waiting on results concerning your health. However, more often, the results are clear or manageable with minimal intervention.
Since experiencing several abnormal symptoms, my eldest brother Bryan began several tests to establish what could be causing them.
Towards the end of 2021, Bryan underwent a brain MRI, which left our family lost for words. The MRI showed a large intracranial tumour, occupying three cortexes within the dominant side of his brain.
I want to say that the feelings and emotions experienced by our family were foreign, but they’re not. This is the second time a sibling of mine has been diagnosed with a brain tumour, and our family personally knows the uncertainty and inherent risks this diagnosis poses moving forward.
Our world changed in the blink of an eye. Changes and sacrifices have and will be made as we progress. Needless to say, the support our friends have shown is greatly appreciated by the family.
It wasn’t until I reached out to friends that I learnt how many of their families have been impacted by brain cancer. They shared with me the same feelings of helplessness and not being in control.
In 2020, 1879 Australian families received the devastating news that a loved one was diagnosed with brain cancer. After a quick internet search, they would have discovered that the sad fact is that outlook for patients with brain cancer has not improved for over a decade.
Brain cancer kills more people under the age of 40 than any other cancer. It seems that we have reached the limit of what current treatment can offer, and only research will provide the key to developing treatments for a brighter outlook.
Where I can help, with your assistance, is to raise funds for this research into brain cancer.
On 5 March 2022, I will be running in the Stromlo Running Festival 50K Ultramarathon. My good mate Brenton is aiming to run alongside me, pending his current sporting commitments.
Now Brenton and I are just two knock-about, average blokes. We’re no runners by any means, we definitely won’t light up the track, and it’s going to be tough. However, we’re both head-strong (others will say stubborn), and we will run, jog, walk, stagger and crawl to the finish.
Brenton and I know there are people out there battling brain cancer who have been limited due to their diagnoses. However, if we can inspire just one person during their journey or give a future family and loved one a greater chance and quality of life, it will all be worth it.
All donations received, irrespective of how big or small, will be provided directly to the Neuroscience Department at the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne. Please jump on the following link for additional information about where and what your donations will be put towards.
Special mentions to Dr. Matthew Gutman (Neurosurgeon), Emily Galea (RN, MN Sc, manager of the Alfred Brain Bio-Data Bank), Natalie Frostick (B.Chiro, M. Chiro, ICCSP) of Enhance Health Care, David Nixon of Functional Fitness Australia and everyone at Running for Resilience.
Please like and share to assist in raising awareness.
Thank you.



Organizer
Stephen Gamarra
Organizer
Canberra, ACT