EACH year approximately 1600 Australians are diagnosed with brain cancer.
The overall five-year survival rate is only 24 per cent, killing more children than any other disease and more adults under 40 than any other cancer.
Despite these alarming statistics, historically brain cancer research and treatment has received significantly less funding in Australia than other high-profile cancers, particularly when measured against the economic cost of the disease.
Former Australian rugby league player Mark Hughes OAM co-founded the Mark Hughes Foundation MHF alongside his wife Kirralee Hughes in 2014. Since then, the organisation has raised more than $33.5 million, with funds directly supporting patient care and infrastructure.
From 4pm on Saturday, 14 November, Club Lake Cathie is holding a fundraiser to benefit MHF, with opportunities to purchase Beanies for Brain Cancer, support raffles, and bid during the auction of a signed State of Origin jersey.
MHF Community and Fundraising Assistant Emma Daniel is passionate about her role.
“My mum was 64 and working full time when she was diagnosed with glioblastoma after a seizure,” Daniel told News Of The Area.
“She died three months later.
“After her funeral, I started raising funds for MHF.
“I raised more than $63,000 and was later offered a job with the foundation.”
MHF funds a specialised Brain Cancer Care Coordinator, Nicole Allen, for Mid North Coast Local Health District, delivering holistic support, guidance and symptom management for patients, carers and families across the region.
By Rachael THORPE
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
