I'm running an Ultra Marathon for Jacinta

I'm running a 100 km ultramarathon on the 11th of November 23' for Jacinta.

In 2014, Jacinta was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at just 19 years old. Over the past nine years, Jacinta has endured two cancer relapses and a life-saving allogeneic stem cell transplant from her little sister, Lucia. Despite reaching a seven-year cancer-free milestone, Jacinta continues to battle various complications, including graft versus host disease affecting her tear glands, knees, hair, and lungs. This makes everyday life challenging, as she must constantly stop to catch her breath and constantly instil eyedrops. She also deals with the consequences of long-term medication use, such as Cushing's syndrome, osteoporosis, and avascular necrosis. All these struggles at just 28 years old.

In the past year, her lung function has declined significantly and can only worsen. She is finding it hard to do everyday tasks without becoming breathless. Her doctors have told her she will require a lung transplant in the near future. We aim to help Jacinta with her cardiovascular fitness so she can put off this transplant for as long as possible.

Despite these hardships, Jacinta remains a caring, family-oriented individual known for putting others before herself. Anyone who knows her will tell you she is undoubtedly the organiser of her 8 siblings. She has always been the one to offer a helping hand. In recent years, she tirelessly cared for her grandmother during her final years of life, putting her own struggles on the back burner. She is not the type to ask for help. When approached about fundraising for her own needs, Jacinta initially declined, demonstrating her selflessness.

The financial burden of Jacinta's ongoing medical expenses cannot be ignored. Roughly one-third of her income is dedicated to her poor health, with her weekly medical bills surpassing $250. These medications are vital for controlling the attacks on her body and will be required for the rest of her life.

The funds raised through this event will be divided into three categories. Firstly, a portion will be used to support Jacinta's ongoing medication costs in a pay-it-forward fashion. Her pharmacy will be allocated financial assistance to ease the burden of her medication costs. Additionally, funds will be allocated to a rehab clinic to improve Jacinta's poor lung function and cardiovascular health. A final portion will support fitness and personal training, enabling her to build strength and improve her capacity to take on the journey ahead.

On November 11th, 2023, Andrew Bacon, Jacinta's brother-in-law, will be running 100 kilometres. He has chosen this challenge willingly, acknowledging the privilege of making such a decision compared to those who face challenges beyond their control. The run will consist of ten 10km laps around Sydney's Narrabeen Lake, with updates available on Andrew's chiropractic business Instagram account. On the same day, Jacinta's older brother, Josh Parnell, will complete his first ultramarathon, covering a distance of 50 kilometres.

Throughout her nine-year journey, Jacinta's strength has inspired and touched the lives of many friends, families, colleagues, and employers. She faces a lifelong struggle, and although she is brave, she deserves our support. Any businesses looking to contribute to Jacinta's cause with donations will be greatly appreciated. For all those reading this GoFundMe, we urge you to dig deep and show your support for our beloved Jacinta. Every donation, large or small, will make a difference and bring Andrew and Josh closer to their finish line!