It takes a village, & CRBF has one of the best

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Past weeks have seen a remarkable group from the AFL, the Sydney Swans, MCC members and AFL Cares, join forces to produce a Grand Final experience for an extraordinary family.

The heartiest of thanks to CRBF ambassador & all-round good guy Paul Roos, one of the nicest men in football Swans CEO Tom Harley & Ops Mgr the exceptional Amanda Turner, both going over & beyond, the fantastic Bec @ AFL Cares whose efforts leave us without words, the wonderful Holly Baker @ MCC Members & dear friends of CRBF, Carolyn Kay, Ange Croft and & Amy Parmenter.

This remarkable group conducted a masterclass in getting the job done. All were working ridiculous hours continuing well into today. Their dedication to helping us with this very special cause is humbling.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Ilan Weill, GM of Hyatt Centric Hotel Mel, Indya Dwyer & Louise Alford together with Hyatt centric Melbourne. CRBF has a long-standing association with Hyatt Hotels, & once more they have gone over and beyond to assist.

We wish the Swans all the best for today, acknowledging they provided the icing on the cake by digging deep to make it to the GF.

This is a side that is as truly remarkable on the field as they are off the field. A side that gives back to the community in so many ways.

CRBF has been one of those recipients over many years, & it’s a connection we hold close to our hearts. We would like to thank Cooper’s junior AFL teammate Nick Blakey, Captain Callum Mills, Harry Cunningham, and Tom Papley for the work they have each done over the years to heighten awareness of sarcoma in the Australia. We also recognise the wonderful friendship that existed with Manager Football Operations, Peter Berbakov, former captain Stuart Maxfield, & Coach, John Longmire.

It would be remiss to overlook the fabulous Gary Rohan who is now preferring the blue and white, to the red and white, however was a special friend to Coops when he needed it most.

Special acknowledgment to ABC 7.30 Report & Lesley Robinson for the precious footage.

A marathon run for sarcoma in Australia

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A superhuman effort by Lachie Mactier today in the Blackmores Running Festival marathon. Lachie kicked the Poor Man’s Everest campaign off today with a masterclass in courage, and sheer determination to cross the finishing line after a gruelling 42kms!

Lachie together with Hunter Hordern and Angus Joyce, who are competing in the Noosa Triathlon in October, launched their campaign only two months ago, and the eye watering total is approaching the $20,000 mark raised for sarcoma services/research in Australia with a deeply personal connection to this cause.

It is difficult to find the words to thank this remarkable trio.

Lachie- we hope you’re resting and enjoying the moment. What an amazing effort? ….

The new MDT facility opens at RPA

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We were delighted to be invited to the opening of the new MDT facility at RPA for the Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma Unit.

Equipped with the latest technology to enhance patient care, the facility is dedicated to the memory of Dr Annabelle Mahar, a much loved, highly respected and world-renowned member of RPA’s Tissue Pathology Department.

Sarcoma is an insidious cancer, treatments are complex and it is the leading cause of cancer related deaths in the 15 to 24 year age group in Australia.(AIHW)

Equipping our brilliant sarcoma trained specialists with the space and technology to collaborate in weekly MDT meetings is a critical component of optimal patient care for those diagnosed with sarcoma.

Today marked an important step forward, and with it, tangible hope.

Dr Teresa Anderson delivered the opening words, acknowledging the work of Dr Annabelle Mahar, whose name the centre proudly bears, together with an outline of why this facility is needed.

Dr Stephen McNamara, devoted partner of Dr Annabelle Mahar’s heartfelt speech today resonated with all in the room. A plaque commemorating Annabelle’s immense contribution to pathology at RPA sits at the entrance to this facility.

After an illustrious career that saw him a pioneer in sarcoma surgery in Australia, Professor Paul Stalley has now passed the baton to incoming Chair of the NSW Bone and Soft Tissue Unit , Dr RIchard Boyle, who officially opened the facility with well chosen words expressing the significance of this facility.

We speak for all those touched by sarcoma in thanking Dr Teresa Anderson Chief Executive of the Sydney Local Health District, and NSW Health for this investment in the future of sarcoma in NSW.

Cancer and mental health on RUOK? Day

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The Australian Institute of Health Welfare (2021) indicated 1 in 5 Australians (5 million) will suffer mental health conditions, however, a staggering 54% of these people do not access treatment.

An estimated 163,000 people are projected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2022,  and the impact of cancer on mental health is often overlooked.

40% of cancer patients experience clinically significant mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, making the need for care evident. (Cancer Council Victoria)

If you are living with cancer and need support, there are a number of reputable organisations equipped to help.

You never walk this road alone.
Cancer Council 13 11 20
Lifeline 131114
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Canteen Connect online service – https://canteenconnect.org/

Those living with sarcoma nationally have access to clinically supervised free of charge support services through the Fergus McCulla Psychological Support Programme.

Call Keith Cox or Tania Rice-Brading  02 93575378 or go to the link in our bio to arrange a consultation.

Finally when you ask anyone the question RUOK? It’s important to really listen to the answer, encourage relevant action and check in regularly with that person to see how they’re doing.

A very sad goodbye to a special young man

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Vale Jarrod Anderson

19th August 1995 – 5 September 2022

Jarrod was your typical 26 year old living each day to the full .

Life changed forJarrod in the blink of an eye when he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma 11 short months ago in October of 2021.

The months that followed his diagnosis saw him fight his cancer with every ounce of his strength, with his loving and devoted mum Michelle by his side throughout, together with his siblings Jodie, Stephen and Sarah who provided support to their precious brother.

Two weeks ago Jarrod celebrated his 27th birthday with his remarkable family, and many special memories were made.

Early Monday morning, we were deeply saddened to learn Jarrod’s courageous battle with this cancer had ended surrounded by the love of his family – his one constant throughout.

Jarrod was never left in any doubt as to how much he was, and is, loved.

Tonight we send our heartfelt condolences, our love and strength to Jarrod’s family.

“Photographs are proof that once, even if just for a heartbeat, everything was perfect.”

The Anderson family would like to thank the staff at the Mater Hospital and the Palliative Care Team in Waratah.

A day for our Father’s & significant others

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Father’s Day is a day when we turn our thoughts to our dads, and those who fill that role for many.  A day that can bring with it many mixed emotions.

It is also a time we pause to remember those who no longer have their child to walk beside them, and those who no longer have their dad to hold their hand. Each of you holds a special place in our hearts.

We wish each of you love, peace of mind, and a special day, no matter what shape that might take?

A day to reflect upon beautiful memories from the past, and a chance to make many more.

#missingyoucoops
#fathersday2022

When words are not enough to thank you…

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When a child/ adolescent receives a cancer diagnosis, their world changes in the blink of an eye.  Often forced to grow up quickly, contemplate their mortality, & endure great emotional angst together with unimaginable pain and suffering.  They watch as their friends continue to live the life they place on hold.

Random acts of kindness make the world go round for young people living with a cancer diagnosis.

We have the greatest privilege of working with the best ambassadors (and human beings) many of which were Coop’s friends.

This week was a truly special one & while these people work quietly behind the scenes, & without fanfare, there comes a time when words need to be found to say thank you.

Yesterday CRBF ambassador & a man with an enormous heart @wippa1 and the  wonderful @camillawithlove together with Camilla’s remarkable team, Alexia and Brooke joined forces to make the day of a little girl, valiantly fighting osteosarcoma for 4 years.  Her challenges & her courage in facing these challenges literally defy words.

Without cameras, media, & with more love than you could ever begin to imagine, a little girl’s dreams came true.

Wippa & Camilla joined forces in 2021 on the celebrity challenge team that raised $183,000 for paediatric sarcoma research at the @childrenscancerinstitute on @celebrityapprentice , through the Wipfli Family Sarcoma Research Fund.

In another part of the world new grandfather and all round good guy @paulroos1 was busy working on making another dream come true for a young @sydneyswans supporter.  Despite his willingness to do what he can for young sarcoma patients, getting the Swannies into the GF may just push the envelope.

Finally the amazing @billysmith___ @art_stanley_ , @thesilverfox68 , Dan & Lisa Miller, @amyparmenterr , Em Rothfield, Yael Bradbury, the team @accorstadium , @allianzstadium & @mcc_members ,  working so hard on very big projects to deliver joy to our beneficiaries over coming weeks.

Weeks like the one past, take a village.  How do we ever thank each of you?

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

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Cancer claims the life of three children/adolescents each week in Australia while 66% of survivors suffer severe long term effects.

The Children’s Cancer Institute of Australia reports there are more than 1000 new diagnoses of child and adolescent cancer in Australia each year.  Up to 20% of those children and 10% of the total adolescent numbers  will receive a sarcoma diagnosis.

The AIHW once again predicts in 2022,  bone and soft tissue sarcomas combined will be the leading cause of cancer related death in the 10-24 year age group.

Hope lies in research.  Australia is home to a collective of brilliant scientific minds, who continue to work toward cure.

Funding the work of these remarkable individuals is central to advancing all childhood cancers, and in particular, those like sarcoma, that have not shown the progress other childhood cancers have over past decades.

“The future we want to see is that all children, adolescents and young adults with sarcoma have access to their own novel combination drug therapies – chosen to match individual genetic and drug testing of their tumour tissue.”  Prof Glenn Marshall, Head of Translational Research at Children’s Cancer Institute

It is a matter of when –  not if…

International Dog Day – research for sarcoma

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Because it’s International Dog Day, we pay homage to the work our canine friends are doing in the name of research for sarcoma.

This research is taking place worldwide, with special emphasis on WA, where our colleagues @sockittosarcoma are funding innovative research which is another step closer to finding the answers to cure.

Just around the corner is our long awaited range of bandanas for dogs, which will be a fun way of highlighting a very serious topic –  Scarves 4 Sarcoma – Bone & Soft Tissue Cancer.

Over the coming weeks some very well known Australian media identities, sports stars, and musicians to name a few, will lend their celebrity status to this campaign, and team with their dogs, and most importantly, some of those living with sarcoma,  to promote awareness nationally.  Sarcoma awareness is a 365 day a year.

They say never to work with dogs or children… And today we learned why?   Betty, CRBF’s very own bulldog is very comfortable working with patients and families.  Today she frocked up to front our new campaign. The diva emerged and the shoot was all but abandoned until the food came out….

Betty joins @banjo1538 who by the way the complete gentleman.