Cassandra O, 5km walk

“Our family’s main reason for fundraising was to support my beautiful mum through her cancer journey.

Mum was diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer back in August 2023. Prior to this, our family knew very little about this awful disease. The more I looked into it, the more devastated I became, knowing that if mum had looked into the signs sooner, she may have had a chance of surviving it. I also realised how little awareness there was & that the increasing prevalence amongst younger people was terrifying.

As mum’s health deteriorated, I looked for ways to channel our grief into something positive, particularly wanting to involve my children, who were struggling to come to terms with their nanny’s deterioration. I saw that Bowel Cancer Australia had Red Apple Day, & I thought what better time than that to raise awareness, raise funds, & hopefully make a difference in another family’s life. 

Our family pledged to complete a 5km walk in June in honour of my mum & to raising awareness in June. Sadly, my mum passed away on June 19, Red Apple Day. And I feel there is no coincidence. We completed the walk on June 22, surrounded by friends & family, in honour of my mum. We had a family friend make some t-shirts for us to wear, & we wore red accessories to get people talking as we walked by. I know my mum would be so proud of us, & we will continue to fundraise each year in her honour.” ~ Cassandra.

Thank you so much, Cassandra, for sharing your very personal story with us, for your priceless support, & to honour the memory & legacy of your beloved mother.

Your awareness & fundraising efforts are greatly appreciated & will have a direct impact, helping to save lives & improve the health & wellbeing of people living with bowel cancer.

If you were inspired by the Cassandra’s fundraising activity & would like to support Bowel Cancer Australia through a social event or fundraiser, check out the Get Involved page on our website.