Running my first half mara for Ava!
Donation protected
I started my journey from couch to 21 km about 10 months ago, after my first run, which was 2km and took about 15 minutes, I did not think I'd be challenging myself with a half mara, ever. But here we are.
I lost and gained many things. I've lost about 8kg, many nights out and sleeping-ins, and probably 120 less bottles of wine! I've gained endurance, strength and a calm mind.
I've spent a lot of time alone with my thoughts and it has given me more time to be grateful. Grateful for my family, our health and what my body is capable of. I've also been able to spend more time thinking about others. Specifically those that don't have what I have. A healthy family.
When my dear friend Paula, told me about Ava and her family, my heart broke. This is my tiny effort for them.
Help me get through my 2 hour run, knowing I've made a small difference for this precious little child.
On the 7th April; just 2 weeks after her 2nd birthday, Ava was diagnosed with Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma - a rare very aggressive childhood cancer with a survival rate of <45% & a 1 in 2 change of relapse. A relapse leaves limited treatment options and is almost always terminal.
Now in her 8th round of chemotherapy, Ava has a long road ahead - at least 18 months of treatment which will involve more chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, stem cell transplant and immunotherapy - a gruelling road for anyone, least a toddler.
We want Ava to have the best chance of a long and happy life. This means ensuring she doesn't relapse.
Please help us give Ava a fighting chance - help us raise funds to receive a vaccine - currently in a phase 2 study at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital, New York.
The vaccine and associated costs are a daunting AU$350,000.
The help of the community is needed to support Ava and her family throughout this difficult journey.
I lost and gained many things. I've lost about 8kg, many nights out and sleeping-ins, and probably 120 less bottles of wine! I've gained endurance, strength and a calm mind.
I've spent a lot of time alone with my thoughts and it has given me more time to be grateful. Grateful for my family, our health and what my body is capable of. I've also been able to spend more time thinking about others. Specifically those that don't have what I have. A healthy family.
When my dear friend Paula, told me about Ava and her family, my heart broke. This is my tiny effort for them.
Help me get through my 2 hour run, knowing I've made a small difference for this precious little child.
On the 7th April; just 2 weeks after her 2nd birthday, Ava was diagnosed with Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma - a rare very aggressive childhood cancer with a survival rate of <45% & a 1 in 2 change of relapse. A relapse leaves limited treatment options and is almost always terminal.
Now in her 8th round of chemotherapy, Ava has a long road ahead - at least 18 months of treatment which will involve more chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, stem cell transplant and immunotherapy - a gruelling road for anyone, least a toddler.
We want Ava to have the best chance of a long and happy life. This means ensuring she doesn't relapse.
Please help us give Ava a fighting chance - help us raise funds to receive a vaccine - currently in a phase 2 study at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital, New York.
The vaccine and associated costs are a daunting AU$350,000.
The help of the community is needed to support Ava and her family throughout this difficult journey.
Organizer
Sally Scott
Organizer
Melbourne VIC
