Hannah & Sophie Run for UR the Cure

As World Marrow Donor Day approaches on Saturday, September 16, our commitment to a vital cause grows stronger. On Sunday, September 17th, we (Hannah and Sophie) will lace up our running shoes to take on the Sydney Marathon, marking a powerful duo of meaningful events in a single weekend. This convergence of purpose is the driving force behind our decision to launch this GoFundMe campaign, aimed at raising both funds and awareness for Ur The Cure.

This special weekend presents a unique opportunity to unite and amplify our message, fostering awareness among the general public and influential decision-makers. Together, we strive to illuminate the significance of registering as a stem cell donor and the transformative impact of blood stem cell transplantation on the lives of patients.

UR the Cure stands as a registered charity under the ACNC (Australian Charities and Not For Profits Commission), fueled entirely by the dedication of volunteers. While donations are not presently tax deductible, their value is immeasurable. The organization's inception in 2015 by Pamela Bousejean, a Hodgkins Lymphoma survivor, underscores the personal quest to find a stem cell match that propelled its establishment. An esteemed partner of the Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry (ABMDR), UR the Cure actively supports the "Strength to Give" cheek swab program.

Guided by UR the Cure's mission, we are committed to guiding blood cancer patients toward their life-saving stem cell matches. By encouraging individuals to join the blood stem cell donor registry, also known as the Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry, we are helping pave the path to hope. For patients grappling with blood cancer or related disorders, a stem cell transplant—also termed a bone marrow transplant—holds the key to their cure. This quest for a cure hinges upon discovering a compatible stem cell match, making the registry's expansion imperative. Our focus centers on enlisting young males aged 18 to 35 and individuals with diverse cultural backgrounds, as their participation bears the potential to save lives.

The avenue to becoming a stem cell donor currently involves donating blood at specific Lifeblood donation centers, which, unfortunately, follows protocols not directly tailored to bone marrow donation. Recent government approval of postal cheek swabs as the gold standard for donor recruitment marks a significant stride. Yet, the absence of funding for a nationwide rollout in Australia poses a challenge. Consequently, a significant portion of donors come from abroad, hindering our ability to identify optimal matches for patients in need.

As the momentum builds toward the impending marathon, we find ourselves in need of your support more than ever. Your contribution, regardless of its size, helps us closer to empowering patients with a chance at finding a successful match, in the triumph over cancer.

Dedicated to our mission, we are determined in our daily training and running 200km a week between us, channeling our efforts into both the race and our mission to raise funds for UR the Cure. Alongside us stands our incredible friend Nashy, whose personal journey and commitment inspires us every step of the way.

Together, we want to spark meaningful change. Let's stand together and making a difference that resonates far beyond the finish line.

Read more here: https://www.urthecure.com.au