Why I'm Trekking and sponsoring the Trail:
Life has a way of presenting us all with situations / challenges that can leave us in a state of avoidance / feeling helpless. For me, like so many others these days, the pervasive shadow of cancer has unfortunately touched my life, stealing away an immediate family member before anyone was ready to say goodbye and thus leaving an emptiness that is hard to fill with reason alone. In 2018, I lost my brother to an aggressive form of cancer. Since then, a quiet resolve has grown within me – a deep-seated desire to contribute where possible, to try and make a difference in the fight against this relentless disease.
That's why I'm incredibly proud to be a major sponsor for the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation's Trek the Trail campaign. This isn't just a business decision; it's a deeply personal commitment, fueled by gratitude and a belief in the power of community.
More Than Just a Sponsor:
When I learned about the Trek the Trail campaign, I immediately thought of Laura and Joey. They've been incredible friends, referrers, and clients, and I've seen firsthand Laura's inspiring resilience. To witness someone emerge from such a challenging experience even stronger, and then dedicate themselves to ensuring others have better access to the support she found so crucial, is truly powerful. Supporting their cause is a privilege.
The decision to become a major sponsor also comes from a place of immense gratitude. My business continues to grow, and Laura and Joeys unwavering support over the years has played no small role in this. And so I jump heart first at the opportunity to give back in a meaningful way to something so close to their hearts. It's a blessing to be able to channel my small success into a cause that touches so many lives.
Facing the Uncomfortable, Embracing the Change:
Cancer doesn't discriminate. Over the years it has impacted my brother, an uncle, a cousin, dear friends and even clients. I find this a confronting reality, one that I struggle personally to come to terms with but ultimately one that won't disappear if it is ignored. For me, sponsoring Trek the Trail is about shining the light in the darkness and facing this issue head-on...seizing a rare opportunity to consciously take a proper moment to give energy, space and time to something I actively avoid thinking about in the grind of everyday life. On a larger scale it's about stepping up, actively participating, and contributing to a future where fewer lives are lost to this disease.
Over my 38 years I have completed training and worked as a qualified personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach, and yoga instructor, I've spent years helping people unlock their body's potential through exercise. I've seen the incredible impact of physical activity on both mental and physical well-being. There's no greater way to empower the body to fight off illness than through regular exercise.
This is precisely why the Regional Cancer Centre's mission resonates so deeply with me. The idea of ensuring exercise physiology and other health professionals play a crucial role in both the treatment and prevention of cancer is something I will always champion. Empowering the human body's potential through movement is a philosophy I live by, and it feels incredibly meaningful to support an initiative that aligns so perfectly with my beliefs.
What I'm Looking Forward To:
Beyond the significant impact of our fundraising, I'm genuinely looking forward to the trek itself. I anticipate the simplistic joy of fresh air and the camaraderie of fellow trekkers. It's a rare and precious opportunity to consciously step back, reflect, and cultivate a sense of gratitude. To be part of something that not only brings hope to those who are diagnosed in the future, but helps those who have suffered in the past by coming together for a common cause in the present moment, is truly empowering.
In the end this trek is about more than just walking a trail; it's about walking with purpose, with hope, and with unwavering belief. Together, we can inspire eachother to heal through effort while we trek the trail...becoming beacons of light in the fight against cancer.
