Vince's Marathon for Sarcoma

My name is Vince and I have decided to run a half-marathon on September 9th, followed by a full marathon in November to raise funds and awareness for the Cooper Rice-Brading Foundation.

A great friend of mine Jack Gibson was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in February 2017 at the young age of 20. Jack had just completed a very successful first cricket season with Sydney University Cricket Club, taking with him a 3^rd Grade Premiership trophy and the overall Best and Fairest Award for the club. Jack was mid-way through his second season when he underwent surgery for a torn meniscus in his left knee, and soon after discovered the existence of a cancerous tumour in his right femur.

Jack endured continual chemotherapy and surgery over the next seven months, proving to be by far the toughest challenge he had ever faced. Jack completed treatment on September 1, 2017, and although he has been able to return to some level of normality since, it has not been without adjustments and setbacks along the way.

I am running for osteosarcoma because I believe this situation is not fair. It’s not fair on Jack, it’s not fair on Jack’s family, and it’s not fair on all those who have been diagnosed with this cancer, many of whom are no longer with us today. 1 in 5 childhood cancers is a sarcoma, however less than 1% of Government medical research expenditure goes towards research for this cancer[1]. And whilst other cancers are making important inroads into finding a cure, there have been few advances in treatment options or survival outcomes for osteosarcoma in almost 40 years[1].

CRBF are currently funding a new trial for sarcoma with the hope of finding a cure. 100% of all  tax deductible donations made to CRBF will go directly to further clinical research and trials to improve outcomes for sarcoma patients.

If you would like to support my journey toward running 42km and help find a cure for sarcoma, please click ‘Donate’ and follow the prompts. Your generosity is much appreciated by me, Jack, and everyone involved in the foundation.

If you’re interested in following my marathon preparation, you can follow me on Strava @ Vince Umbers.

Thanks again,

Vince 

[1] CRBF Website