Rally for Mars: Supporting Our Derby Heart

For over 14 years, Marinda "Mars" Swarbrick, beloved as ScareBear, has been the beating heart of Australia's roller derby community. More than just a phenomenal player on the track, Mars is a coach, leader, organiser, commentator, and the ultimate cheerleader who has poured countless hours into lifting others up and keeping our community strong. From coast to coast, skaters across Australia know Mars as one of our most cherished and respected figures in derby.

Now, our community champion needs us.

Mars recently received a cervical cancer diagnosis and will be undergoing intensive CRT (Chemoradiation) treatment. While Australia's healthcare system will cover the core medical costs, Mars and their husband Patrick are facing the mounting pressures that come with serious illness: expenses and challenges that extend far beyond what Medicare covers.

How We Can Help

The roller derby community has always operated as one big team, and it's time to show up for one of our most devoted teammates. Your contributions will help Mars focus entirely on healing, without the stress of everyday financial burdens.

Your support will provide:

• Medical expenses not fully covered by Medicare

• Food and essentials including grocery deliveries and meal services

• Transportation to and from treatment appointments

• Household support such as cleaning services and pet care

• Accommodations to allow Mars to stay involved in roller derby

• Unexpected costs that inevitably arise during cancer treatment

Why Mars Matters

Every skater who has crossed paths with Mars knows their incredible generosity of spirit. They've been there for countless teammates through victories, defeats, injuries, and personal challenges. Mars has given so much derby love over the years. Now it's our turn to give it back.

Let's rally for Mars: our ultimate teammate, our community pillar, and the embodiment of derby love.

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps ensure Mars and Patrick can focus on what truly matters: treatment, recovery, and staying strong together. Let's show Mars just how much our community loves them.

**UPDATE**

Thank You From Mars and Patrick

We are absolutely overwhelmed by the incredible support from our roller derby family and beyond. In just a few days, you’ve nearly doubled the $5,000 goal, and we honestly can’t find the words to express how much this means to us.

Your generosity is giving us something invaluable, the peace of mind and practical support that allows our small family to focus on what's important. This means we can face this challenge together without the financial pressures that might otherwise pull us in different directions.

A Message for Everyone

While we’re here, we want to share something important with all of you: if something doesn’t feel right with your health, please advocate for yourself. Find a doctor who will push for answers and don’t give up until you get them. Early detection and persistent advocacy can make all the difference.

Closing This Campaign

Donations for this page will be turned off after this weekend. We feel incredibly supported and ready to focus on treatment, and the love you’ve shown us is more than we ever expected.

If anyone would like to continue showing support in other ways, gifts cards are a great option, although please know this is absolutely not expected as your donations and messages have already given us everything we need.

Thank you for being the most amazing community we could ask for. We’ll keep you updated on the journey ahead.

With all our love and gratitude,

Mars and Patrick

You can contact Mars via her email at [email redacted]