The OneDay

22 October 2016

Community unites in “OneDay to Conquer Cancer”

More than 1,886 riders and walkers from across Australia will take to the streets of Melbourne today for the inaugural “OneDay to Conquer Cancer”, a community event which has raised $1.7 million to support world-leading research at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

One in two Australians will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85 and it is estimated around 46,000 will die from the disease this year alone. Funds raised from today’s event will go towards cutting-edge technologies that will power the next generation cancer discoveries at Peter Mac.

Among the participants in OneDay to Conquer Cancer are Peter Mac staff, patients, survivors and their families and people who have lost loved ones to cancer. Each will walk 25km, or ride a bike 60km or 100km, through Melbourne’s suburbs over one day as part of their fundraising efforts.

Fifty-five year old Graeme Sissing from Hampton Park is one participant. He was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2011, given the all clear after extensive treatment and then re-diagnosed again in 2014. While he has never been treated at Peter Mac, he is a long-term supporter of its research program.

“After my re-diagnosis, I was unsure of what this would mean for my future. But I am certain that a cure for cancer will be found - the team at Peter Mac is making a massive contribution. So many people are impacted. No amount of money will ever be enough for cancer research and treatment. This is something we need to do for our future generations," Mr Sissing said.

Five year-old-Lily, who has been undergoing treatment for anaplastic ependymoma at Peter Mac, will cheer her parents Alicia and Greg Bennett across the start line as they captain their team The Lily Bugs in the event. The Lily Bugs are participating so that one day no parent will have to watch their child undergo cancer treatment.

Professor Ricky Johnstone, also a rider in today’s event, says that community support plays an important role in enabling important cancer research discoveries at Peter Mac.

“We are seeing great progress in areas such as melanoma and blood, breast, prostate and ovarian cancers, along with remarkable results from new treatments like cancer immunotherapy.

“This research directly improves the cancer care available for all Victorians, but what many people don’t know is that our work is influencing cancer control efforts across Australia and the world.

“This research simply couldn’t be done without the latest technologies and the support of our community. Everyone here today is a partner in our discoveries, doing their bit to help all people affected by cancer.

OneDay to Conquer Cancer brings together communities of women and men, cancer patients and survivors, and all their supporters around a common goal - to conquer all forms of cancer.

It begins with an opening celebration at Albert Park at 7am, after which participants will make their way through the streets and suburbs with pit stops along the route, before being cheered across the finish line by family and friends. The event is supported by a number of sponsors, including major sponsor General Mills.

Next year’s event will run on Sunday 29 October 2017 and people of all athletic abilities are encouraged to join in the fun.

For more information about the 2017 OneDay to Conquer Cancer or to donate visit www.theoneday.org.au or call 1300 44 9255.

About Peter Mac

Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre is one of the world’s leading cancer research, education and treatment centres globally and is Australia’s only public hospital solely dedicated to caring for people affected by cancer. We have over 2,500 staff, including more than 580 laboratory and clinical researchers, all focused on providing better treatments, better care and potential cures for cancer.

Media Contact:

Bianca Swapshire

OneDay to Conquer Cancer, Communications Coordinator

0429 204 586

bswapshire@conquercancer.org.au