A CHARITY race day at Hawkesbury Race Club raised over $90,000 for brain cancer research.
Almost 300 people attended the event in November, and raised $45,700 which was matched by Macquarie Bank, bringing the total to $91,400.
The funds will be handed to the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation, and will go towards funding research and clinical trials, further educating professionals on early detection and giving patients faster access to new treatments.
“Needless to say it was a hugely successful day,” said Holly Mahboub, a Hawkesbury resident who organised the event along with fellow locals Lyndal Lean and Sally Stevens, all of whom have been personally affected by the disease.
The day was held in honour of Janet Mahboub, Ms Mahboub’s mum, who passed away earlier this year, only six weeks after diagnosis of a high grade malignant brain tumour.
“Unfortunately, this type of brain tumour has a very poor prognosis where less than 20 per cent of people diagnosed will make five years,” said Ms Mahboub.
Over 60 local and national businesses as well as individuals contributed to the day, which included raffles, silent auctions, live auctions and other games.
“The support from the local community was overwhelming and truly touching. It reiterated again just how loved my mum was and how much everyone wants to get behind supporting such an important cause,” said Ms Mahboub.
“Marcella Zemanek (wife of the late Stan Zemanek, who passed away in 2007 from a brain tumour) was a guest speaker on the day.
“With over 100 prizes on offer on the day - most people went home with something.”
The three major sponsors for the event were Vibe Property, AH Beard and Aussie Richmond.
“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 per cent to 50 per cent by 2023. With every step, we are moving closer to a cure.”
