Bacchus Marsh resident Natasha Staunton will put on her running shoes this month in the hope of raising much-needed funds for the Leukaemia Foundation.
Ms Staunton was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2008 and after a year took the brave and unusual step of undergoing chemotherapy treatment to fight the disease.
She said the support from the foundation was unbelievable and kept her sane. “I used to pick up the phone and say ‘I’m having a bad day’, they were really helpful and never pushed me away.”
After shaving her curly locks last year in the World’s Greatest Shave and raising $12,000 and competing in Tough Mudder competition, Ms Staunton decided to take on the Sunflower Dash to raise more money for the foundation.
She and her friends will celebrate her 40th birthday with a run, rather than a party.
“It’s such a good cause … they’re great and always full of advice. I didn’t feel isolated.
“You don’t have to be a victim.”
Now in its second year, the Leukaemia Foundation’s Sunflower Dash supports people with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood disorders.
The event is open to people of all ages and fitness levels, and will be held at various locations on Sunday, June 29.
To find out more visit www.sunflowerdash.org.au or call 1800 500 088.
