Amazing Race for brain cancer

Peace of Mind Foundation representatives Kevin Larkins, left, and Jonathan Muller with Challenge Brain Cancer's Geelong Anam Cara House nurse team Donna Woods and Lyn Barnes. (Ivan Kemp) 439021_04

Geelong is gearing up for an Amazing Race challenge to raise money and awareness for people battling brain cancer.

The annual Challenge Brain Cancer Amazing Race, organised by the Peace of Mind Foundation, will take over Westfield Geelong from 9.30am to noon on Saturday, October 26.

Peace of Mind Foundation’s Amanda Turner said this year’s event aimed to support brain cancer patients and their families.

“We’re hoping to get people inspired to raise money for a wonderful cause and bring our Geelong community together,” she said.

“Brain cancer is a sadly deadly cancer, and one of the more striking statistics is that it kills more people under 40 than any other cancer because of its terrible prognosis.

“About 2000 people every year are diagnosed with brain cancer in Australia, and the five-year survival rate for brain cancer is only around about 22 per cent which is pretty low and hasn’t improved for many years.”

More than 1000 families rely on the Peace of Mind Foundation for assistance each year, with funds raised from the event having a direct impact on people living with brain cancer.

Founder and chief executive Rebecca Mallett said the Geelong community strongly supports the foundation and people in need.

“Having our much-needed programs and services expand to help even more people is our ultimate goal,” she said.

“We’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact our Advocates and Community Brain Cancer Navigators have in providing support, compassion, and quality of life to our patients facing this very serious diagnosis.”

Visit peaceofmindfoundation.org.au/amazing-race-challenge-brain-cancer for more information on the race event or to donate to the foundation.