This week there was a wonderful buzz in the room as members knew we had an exciting speaker lined up! And what an inspirational story we heard. Shannon Garrett, a local Dad, battling Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG), a rare cancer that is more commonly found as a childhood brain cancer. While Shannon has this cancer in his spine, which will one day stop him walking, until that day, he is determined to reach his goal of raising $100,000 and more importantly raise awareness of this terrible childhood cancer.
Shannon started by showing this video of the Tour de Mont Blanc walk he did in July this year, for those that missed the meeting I encourage you to check it out, it's only 3 minutes long, but shows the incredible journey Shannon experienced, an unbelievable challenge for anyone, let alone someone who is slowly losing their ability to walk.
As many of our members either themselves or their loved ones have been touched by cancer, it was a great way for our club to get behind a local, raising funds for this cancer. If you are interested in supporting this cause, Shannon supports a charity called RUN DIPG, you can donate to his personal fundraiser through his next challenge 'The Ox', a 100km walk. Here is the link.
This week we have no meeting at the club. Everyone is encouraged to visit another club. You can find me up in the hills visiting the Rotary Club of Emerald.
Vale BJ Funston
On a sad note, this week we received the news of the passing of Funno's mum, Betty Jean Funston. BJ's husband Allan was a charter member of our club. Our thoughts are with Funno and his family at this difficult time.
I will see you back at Holm Park on the 8 October to hear from the City of Casey's CEO Glenn Patterson, and our local Berwick Councilor Scott Dowling. It is also Lift the Lid Week - a national initiative to raise funds and awareness for mental illness. So we will be having a crazy hat/hairdo fundraiser. Wear your craziest hat or hairdo and pay $1, or if you forget it's $5 and we will provide you with a hat!
Also Jim Wilson sent me this link to add to the newsletter.
Thanks,
Jen
