The Bowral Classic is thrilled to again be supporting and helping raise funds for The Chris O’Brien Lifehouse.
With approximately one out of every two men, and one in three women likely to get cancer, in NSW alone more than 39,000 new cases of cancer are expected to be diagnosed this year.
Offering a unique model of care and funding in Australia, Lifehouse is a not-for-profit private hospital charity that helps public and private patients.
As the nation’s only not-for-profit, comprehensive cancer centre, the organisation is housed in a modern building & supported by the latest technology that makes a difference to patient outcomes.
We spoke with Sara Walker, Community Fundraising Executive of Lifehouse, and started by asking how the Bowral Classic directly assists Lifehouse.
The 2017 Bowral Classic is thrilled to again be partnering with charity organisation the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse.
Sara Walker: The Bowral Classic has given us the opportunity to expand our events calendar, with a supporter base of keen cyclists this is incredibly important. Many of our supporters are looking for that next challenge or weekend away with friends to enjoy some cycling and scenery and The Bowral Classic offers them just that – with the different levels of entry and picturesque course around the Southern Highlands.
Being part of The Bowral Classic has also given us the opportunity to introduce Lifehouse to new audiences. Although Chris O’Brien Lifehouse only opened just over three years ago and we are now one of Australia’s biggest cancer clinical trials centres, we still have a long way to go to see a future free from cancer.
Chris O’Brien Lifehouse is fortunate to have passionate supporters many of whom are also incredibly enthusiastic cyclists always looking for that next challenge. The Bowral Classic has allowed us to expand on our calendar of cycling events and offer this unique ride to those supporters.
The support from the cycling community for Lifehouse has been amazing and we are as always incredibly appreciative of the efforts they will go to help us achieve our goals. We had such great feedback last year from our riders, we are very excited to be involved again this year.
Bowral Classic: With many participants riding for Lifehouse last year, how did those funds assist cancer patients?
SW: Donations make it possible to for us to purchase technology and equipment that is used in our operating theatres every day. They support our patient programs that make Lifehouse a unique place of hope and healing. And they support our research and, in doing so, our vision of life unaffected by cancer.
Last year, Lifehouse –
- Treated and cared for over 17,000 patients.
- Treated 1,624 patients in our Day Therapy (chemotherapy) service.
- Treated 1,837 patients in our Radiation Oncology department, with 28,928 total treatments.
- Conducted 5,814 cancer surgeries, including over 100 robotic surgeries.
- Supported 918 patients in our complimentary medicine service, the Lifehouse LivingRoom.
BC: Cancer research is obviously extremely expensive – how important is community fundraising to your organisation?
Dr Chris O’Brien’s Lifehouse is based in cutting-edge premises on Missenden Road, Camperdown NSW.
SW: Chris O’Brien Lifehouse is more than a hospital; it’s a place of hope, possibility, healing and life. Our achievements are only possible thanks to our generous, compassionate and committed community of supporters.
Cancer is complex and its treatment constantly evolving. As such, medical research is an integral part of what we do. Donations help us drive excellence in research. They improve our understanding of cancer, enhance our research collaborations and help us provide better outcomes for patients.
Chris O’Brien Lifehouse stands at the forefront of cancer care in Australia, with internationally renowned cancer specialists serving patients throughout diagnosis, treatment and recovery. We want to make the lives of cancer patients and their families and carers easier, through finding better cures, detection, treatment, care and ultimately, improve patient outcome. We can’t do this this without support from supporters.
BC: Lifehouse had a team of riders involved in the event last year – can you tell us a little more about this?
SW: We were lucky enough to have over 50 riders in last year’s event – all passionate about the work we do with a real sense of team work. Each has their own story to tell – whether it’s a past patient on their way to recovery or a family member who wants to honour their loved one with a gift back to Lifehouse to help support another patient’s journey – we are indebted to them all. One of our riders & top fundraisers in the 2016 event was the inspirational Craig Marsh – You can read Craig’s story here.
BC: Any final comments for those participating in the 2017 Bowral Classic?
SW: Your generosity of spirit and continued support are truly valued – thank you.
For further details on Lifehouse phone 02 8514 0006 or visit www.mylifehouse.org.au
