On Sunday 4 November 2018, I am running the New York City Marathon in support of Hand in Hand – Fighting Brain Cancer.
Hand in Hand is dedicated to providing assistance to families and carers of those diagnosed with brain cancer. The aim is to increase awareness, provide practical information and community support to inspire hope and better futures.
About Hand in Hand
Hand in Hand was founded through the dedication of the family and friends of Michael Oldano. His wife Carolyn had a vision to create an organisation which would aid in the support of other families living the same story as Michael’s, and the eventual prevention of brain cancer.
Michael was 40 when he was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme Brain (GBM) cancer and passed away only 7 short months later. He was a small business owner, father, husband and your typical great Aussie mate. His life, and the lives of his family and friends changed in an instant when Michael was diagnosed. Life, as they knew it, would never be the same again.
Financially they had to walk away from their family business. Both were unemployed and Carolyn became Mike’s full-time carer. They were provided with a social worker for the first 6 weeks. After that, they relied heavily on their family and friends for support and assistance.
Through Michael’s experience they learnt that brain cancer is unlike any other. There is little hope in most cases. There are no miracle treatments, minimal access to support groups, and limited financial assistance.
Why Hand in Hand
Recently, I have had friends affected by brain cancer. Whilst there are a number of charities doing a wonderful job raising funds for research to find a cure, there are few with a focus on care and support for the now. Hand in Hand is unique in this sense, working towards providing affected families with:
1. Care packages.
2. Hospital grade equipment to monitor from home.
3. Home blood collection facilities, saving on hospital commutes.
How funds will be used
The funds raised will go towards writing a children’s book which outlines the expected treatment for brain tumours. The purpose is to help patients and families become familiar with the journey they are about to undertake.
My training
Some of you may have seen me hobbling around the streets of Brisbane early of a morning over the past weeks. Prior to July 2018, I had never completed as much as a fun run. My training has been short, but intense. The 42.19kms is daunting, however with each training day that passes comes a greater sense of confidence. As for running a time – I’ll be very content to simply complete!
My fundraising target may seem ambitious, however I am confident with your support we can reach (and even exceed) this goal.
Please dig deep.
My sincere thanks in advance.
Scott.
P.S. It is important to mention the trigger for deciding to attempt the NYC Marathon. Over a short few months late in 2017/early 2018, we lost four close family members. Their respective passing was sudden and unexpected. This really gave me a reality check on life goals and achievements. It made me step back and realise how precious life is and not to put off the things I have always aimed to do. This is for Brian, Rachel, Sam and Marjorie.
Well Done Scotty have a great run fantastic effort i will watch the tv on the weekend cheers Frank