At Rare Cancers Australia (RCA), we have the privilege of having supporters far and wide who undertake amazing activities to raise funds and awareness for Australians living with rare, less common and complex cancers – like Ty and Corrina.
Meet Ty
Ty is an Operating Theatre Nurse from Scarborough, Western Australia. She is a loving wife, doting fur mum to two greyhounds, and a loyal friend to Emily, who three years ago was diagnosed with a rare cancer.
“My dear friend Emily was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer within her sinus and skull, known as NUT Midline Carcinomacancer arising from tissues that line organs. At the time of diagnosis, she was fit, healthy and had the world at her feet. Unfortunately, NUT Midline Carcinoma often responds poorly to treatment interventions readily available in Australia; there is no known cure and statistically, it sees an average life expectancy of six to nine months post diagnosis,” Ty explained.
“Following her diagnosis, she underwent chemotherapya cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells, while minimising damage to healthy cells, radiotherapy and immunotherapya treatment that uses a person's immune system to fight cancer, all with mixed results. Unfortunately, as part of her symptoms she has now lost full vision in her left eye due to the tumour crushing her optic nerve and we have recently learnt that she has newly developed tumours in her brain.”
Despite this, Emily continues to live life to the fullest, following her mantra “be present”.
This motto has inspired so many of those around her, especially Ty who shaved her head on 26 November in support of Emily’s journey and to raise funds for the groups that have helped her, including RCA. It was a special occasion, with Emily flying from Melbourne to Perth to be the one to shave Ty’s now beautifully bald head.
Through Ty’s amazing efforts she has raised more than $10,000 – well above her initial fundraising goal of $4,000.
Thank you Ty, Emily and all of those who gave generously!
Meet Corrina
Having had a successful singing career, Corrina is well versed in the arts and she now uses these skills to brighten the days of her two young children, curate her enchanting homewares boutique in Bowral, NSW called All the Wild Horses, and raise funds for causes close to her heart.
On 3 December, she hosted the “Get up close and Percival” event in her store and treated locals to an intimate night of music with the talented Darren Percival from the first season of The Voice.
It was a magical night and one of many activities Corrina has organised to raise funds for RCA.
“I really enjoy this part of my job. It’s about more than just putting on an event, it’s about uniting people for a good cause,” Corrina said.
Thank you to the very generous Corrina, Darren and all those who came to support!
If you are interested in organising a fundraiser for RCA or would like more information on how, please contact our Marketing Manager, James Mathews at [email protected]