I decided to do 5k steps across a few days to raise awareness for bowel cancer and encourage donations to Bowel Cancer Australia. Since being diagnosed with Stage 3 bowel cancer at 38 years old, I had my tumour removed including cancerous lymph nodes and am now undergoing 6 months of chemotherapy.
I am still trying to walk longer distances so opted for 5k steps which in itself was a challenge for me given I average only 1500-2000 steps a day. I did some walking at home, at the beach and park with my kids and shared my progress on social media.
I was inspired to participate in the World Cancer Day 5K Challenge to: promote bowel cancer awareness in younger people; close the gap in inequities in cancer research funding; address the limited affordable treatment options being listed on the PBS; and advocate for Federal government funding specifically for Bowel Care Nurses.
I am passionate about supporting Bowel Cancer Australia because they do a lot of advocacy in the space. They offer great support which I have used myself such as the Bowel Care Nutritionist, the Facebook group, online webinars and a great community of young people sharing stories and providing inspiration.
If you were inspired by Rachel's fundraising activities and would like to support Bowel Cancer Australia through a community fundraiser get in touch with us through our webform
