Category: Cooper Rice-Brading Foundation

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.

Lisa Greissl is Founder of Newcastle based “The Big Hug Box”

Lisa’s remarkable body of work came to the attention of all at CRBF in early 2018, after she reached out to us, and a meeting followed during one of the trips she does regularly to Sydney, to deliver the boxes of joy, that have lifted the spirits of all who received them for many years.

We came to know Lisa as a very special young woman, who despite her own experience with cancer, spends every day brightening the lives of those now walking this road behind her.  She is a true force of nature.

After experiencing a her own rare cancer diagnosis in 2015, Lisa advocates for patient wellbeing, health and support and acknowledges the importance of the little acts of kindness that play a significant part in contributing to patient wellbeing which contributed to The Big Hug Box being born.

“I am so proud of what The Big Hug Box has achieved and continues to achieve. We have built an incredibly supportive community around us who value the importance of kindness and are aligned with our values and our purpose. Together we will make a positive impact on the lives affected by cancer with a Big Hug and supporting cancer support services and organisations with profits from every sale” Lisa Greissl.Go to https://thebighugbox.com/ to bring joy to the life of someone you know who may be in need of a Big Hug.

Lachie Mactier, Hunter Hordern and Angus Joyce are just the type of mates you need around you when your world falls apart. Just ask CRBF’s Patient Advocate, Jack Gibson. Jack was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 2017, and there has never been one moment he has felt the need to walk what can be a very lonely road, alone.

Jack has a remarkable family, but he is also blessed with a remarkable friendship group that blossomed at school, and continued throughout Uni to today.

Several months ago, the boys, under the alias @poor_mans_everest contacted CRBF with a proposal to complete 2 events. Jack, Hunter, and Angus will form a relay team and compete in the Noosa Triathlon in October. Not to be outdone, Lachie will be running in the @blackmoresaustralia marathon.

They are kicking their campaign off in global Sarcoma Awareness Month, and will not only be raising funds for the support of sarcoma patients and their families in Australia, but they will also be spreading awareness from today when their campaign launches, and throughout the coming months.

We would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt thanks to Lachie, Angus and Hunter for being there for Jack, but for their endless commitment to improving resources for sarcoma patients and their contribution over many years to clinical research.

Give the boys a follow on instagram at @poor_mans_everest and watch them as they train and work towards these huge events!

Today, 18 year old Jye Ferrier was farewelled by his loving family and friends at a truly beautiful service on the Gold Coast.

We awoke to the tragic news early last Friday, that this courageous young man loved by all, had lost his life to osteosarcoma, and the sun immediately disappeared behind a cloud.

The courage and determination Jye showed throughout what can only be described as an intensely cruel treatment process, defies words.  Those closest to Jye today remembered the kind, sweet, considerate, selfless young man whose smile, despite his plight in life, continued to light up a room.

Jye always put the needs of others first, despite the pain and sheer angst that came his way during treatment.

Jye made his mark on the world in such a significant way, and he will always be etched in the memory of those whose lives have been deeply touched by his special presence.

Jye’s family Lisa, Dean, Tristan and Byron left Jye in no doubt as to how much he was loved.  It is difficult to imagine a family more cohesive, attentive and supportive. Jye was always wrapped in the pure love of this remarkable family.

Sometimes there are simply no words other than to send our love, strength and our heartfelt condolences to  Lisa, Dean, Tristan, Byron, Jye’s extended family and his very special group of young friends who have spent the past week contemplating life without him.

Forever young…

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