HAWKESBURY resident Holly Mahboub hopes to raise in excess of $40,000 for brain cancer research at the upcoming Charity Race Day in support of the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation.
Ms Mahboub organised the Race Day along with fellow locals Lyndal Lean and Sally Stevens, all of whom have been personally affected by the disease.
“I lost my mum three months ago to the disease, only six weeks after diagnosis of a high grade malignant brain tumour,” Ms Mahboub told the Gazette.
“My dear friend’s mum is also currently battling the disease.
“Both our mums have lived and worked in the Hawkesbury for majority of their lives.
“Unfortunately, this type of brain tumour has a very poor prognosis where less than 20 per cent of people diagnosed will make five years.”
The Charity Race Day will take place on Friday, November 18 from noon until 5pm at the Hawkesbury Race Course.
Money raised will go towards the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation - the peak organisation for brain cancer research, advocacy and awareness in Australia.
Individual tickets are $150 until the end of the month, after which time they will be $165.
Tables of 10 can also be purchased for $1500, as well as corporate tables, which include sponsorship and advertising for the day.
The event includes a sit-down lunch and five-hour beverage package including beer, wine and soft drinks. There will also be raffles and auctions with a variety of prizes on offer.
“Around 1600 people are diagnosed with brain cancer in Australia annually and approximately 1200 die from the disease every year,” said Ms Mahboub.
“Brain cancer kills more children in Australia than any other disease and more people under 40 than any other cancer.
“We are still a long way from a cure. In the past very little funding has gone into brain cancer research and treatment options. CBCF is dedicated to accelerating the development of new treatments to increase five-year survival from the current 20% to 50% by 2023. With every step, we are moving closer to a cure.”
Money raised at the Charity Race Day will go towards funding research and clinical trials, further educating professionals on early detection and giving patients faster access to new treatments.
“This event is of course dedicated to my mum, Janet Mahboub, but it is also worth mentioning that it is dedicated to other people in the Hawkesbury who we know are currently fighting the same disease,” said Ms Mahboub.
Tickets can be purchased by emailing charityraceday@gmail.com or contacting the Hawkesbury Race Club on 4577 2263. Organisers are also appealing for businesses to donate items that can be raffled and auctioned on the day.
