Rach's dedication inspires us

“I know I am one of the lucky ones…but I don’t believe luck should be a factor. I think everyone who is diagnosed with cancer should have the same chances no matter what kind of cancer they have. But this won’t happen of its own accord, research needs to be done”

Meet Rachael, a kind, sweet and outdoor loving 32-year-old who just a few years ago was thrown one hell of a curve ball. Originally from the UK, Rachael was looking to call Australia home but during what seemed like a routine set of tests for her visa, Rachael was shocked to find out she had failed the health assessment.

A follow-up CT scan revealed masses in her neck and chest. Biopsies confirmed Rachael’s fears and she was diagnosed with Stage 2A Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Being young and female meant just four days later, Rachael started IVF to ensure she could have her healthy eggs collected before she was due to start her treatment. As if facing cancer wasn’t enough, Rachael had to navigate the fears and physical turmoil egg collection procedure.

Rachael then started her chemotherapy and radiation treatment. In hospital alone due to the COVID-19 pandemic, oceans away from her family, Rachael faced her new reality. Treatment hit Rachael hard with side-effects often putting her back in hospital and making her feel vulnerable - “It left me feeling exposed and raw when I’d leave the house bald with only a scarf to cover my head. It was really hard.”

Rachael has just passed her one-year remission. She has her confidence and independence back – along with a new appreciation for science and research.

Dad does it for his little hero

"We obviously knew there was something going on, but we couldn't have imagined what it was. Our whole world got twisted upside down" 

Nathan and Naomi are proud parents to three gorgeous kids - Gracie, Marley, and Ollie, who they affectionately call “Ollie Bear”.

When Ollie was just six years old, they rushed him to emergency after his eye turned inwards and a local optometrist suggested something neurologic could be going on. 

Later that day, a CT scan revealed a parent's worst nightmare. They found a tumour the size of a lime, about 5cm in length, at the base of his skull. Following an urgent biopsy, Ollie was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of tissue cancer, called embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma.

Since his diagnosis, Ollie has bravely undergone countless rounds of gruelling chemotherapy and radiation, with his family by his side every step of the way. Despite their own trauma, the Jepson family continue to do all they can to support children just like Ollie and their families. 

In 2023, Nathan took part in ACRF’s 60km In May challenge to honour his little hero. Even while juggling life in and out of the hospital with his boy, Nathan found time to walk or run every day to help raise lifesaving funds for cancer research. Thank you, Nathan, for your immense kindness and support.

Dedicating 60km in May to Janice

"May is always a difficult month for us as we have Janice’s passing anniversary on 4 May, Mother’s Day a week later and her birthday was on 20 May - we always still celebrate her birthday. It’s very important for me that the girls remember her."

This May, Alan, ACRF's proud 60km In May ambassador, is taking on the challenge alongside his three daughters in honour of his beloved wife, Janice, who tragically passed away from a rare cancer known as signet ring cell carcinoma 10 years ago.

Janice was diagnosed in 2014 after experiencing severe cramping following a family holiday. A precautionary CT scan revealed the devastating news. Despite undergoing six rounds of chemotherapy, the treatment was ultimately unsuccessful, and Janice passed away just two weeks before her 47th birthday - only six months after her diagnosis.

Since then, Alan has cherished every moment with his daughters, ensuring they remember the incredible woman their mother was. Inspired by Janice’s enduring hope that “the secret cure would be unlocked,” Alan and his daughters are raising funds for lifesaving cancer research in her memory.

Join them this May and help bring us closer to a world without this devastating disease. We are deeply grateful to Alan and his daughters for their incredible commitment and support.