NOOSA local Dawn Schaffer has been battling ovarian cancer for the last five years and although recovering from recent chemotherapy, she is determined to run the City2Surf run in Sydney this weekend.
Dawn has been named Top Fund-raiser for the event, coming up with a staggering $32,000 in donations and that figure is still growing.
“We all know someone who has been affected by cancer. It is just amazing how everyone has come out of the woodwork to chip in,” Dawn said.
Although 69-year-old Dawn is fighting her own illness and only finished her third round of chemotherapy three weeks ago, this inspiring mother of four has made a commitment to finish this run for a very special reason.
“My son-in-law has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and is undergoing absolutely gruelling chemo. Friends and family will be joining me on the City2Surf with partners and children.
“We will all be running for Tim,” she said.
In remission for now, Dawn still maintains her physical fitness by getting out every day for a seven-kilometre walk.
“I never miss it,” she said.
Cure Cancer are making sure fund-raisers are clear on where their hard-earned dollars are being spent.
“Funds are going directly to the young scientists who are working hard to find a cure. I see them as wonderful people who are doing such important work.
“We still haven’t got a clue about some of these cancers and unfortunately ovarian cancer is one of those ones that just keeps on coming back,” Dawn said.
PSK Financial donated an impressive $8000 for the marquis and friends and family have donated large sums of money in a bid to help find a cure.
The City2Surf is a 14-kilometre run or walk with over 100 supporters taking part this weekend on Sunday 14 August.
Dawn’s health has meant she will not be able to run this year for the first time, however she is determined to complete the course through Bondi Beach as a walk.
“I’ve told my family they might have to push me a bit of the way,” she said.
For more information or to offer your support to Team Dawn, go to www.curecancer.com.au.
