Overcoming adversity – together with Can4Cancer

By Matt Formston

Cancer is the scourge of our times, causing unimaginable distress not only to the individuals affected, but also their families and friends. Yet amidst the pain there is hope, and Can4Cancer, managed by Tour de Cure, is one event that Optus Enterprise embraces to support the researchers, surgeons and clinicians who dedicate their lives to finding a cure for cancer.

2021 marks the seventh year we have been involved with Can4Cancer. For me personally, it was extra special as nearly 100 Optus team members volunteered their time to get away from the office or working from home to walk 21 kms in three states, in addition to the six riders and support crew who took part in the cycling component of the event. 

Watch Can4Cancer 2021 video

Making progress, once step at a time

Four years ago, the Can4Cancer Walk was the brainchild of our partner, Commonwealth Bank, who understood that not everyone has the bike, the fitness levels or the time to take part in a gruelling three-day ride – most recently from Belmont via Pokolbin and then to Wiseman’s Ferry before finishing at the finale in Sydney.

Optus team members who took part in the three Can4Cancer Walks in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney described the day as a heart-warming occasion bringing together teams and individuals who have spent much of the last 18 months working from home. 

The Sydney event was a particularly festive occasion, with the NSW-based riders, walkers and runners (50km!) finishing at the same spot on the same day. DJs set the mood at the venue, while Messina ice-cream and comfortable beanbags provided welcome relief to finished participants.

On night 1 of the tour in Pokolbin, the Gala Dinner proved another highlight, with a great buzz among the attendees and a spirited panel discussion on overcoming adversity. I was fortunate to speak on the night about overcoming my childhood disability, life as a former Paralympian and world record holder, and my own family’s experience of cancer. 

To the moon (if not back)

Thanks to the efforts of all those involved, this year was a record-breaking year for the charity. Fundraising reached new levels, with more than $3.04m raised and 6,311 participants getting involved in their in-person and virtual events in 2020 and 2021.

Even more impressive, participants walked, rode, and ran an astounding 391,087 km, meaning they made it as far as the moon!

The generosity of Can4Cancer’s supporters has enabled the charity to fund over 500 cancer projects and contribute to 48 scientific cancer breakthroughs thus far.

Previous recipients of funding have included the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation, Cancer Council Australia, the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the Children’s Medical Research Institute, amongst many others.

Watch the video, find out more about the event and discover how you can help Can4Cancer fund vital research into the disease. Every little bit can help change lives and end cancer.