Lauren is lacing up her running shoes to take on a huge challenge – running 42 kilometers.
But it's not just any old marathon that she’s taking part in, she’s running for a cause that's incredibly close to her heart. Lauren's running for her nephew, Rowan, who was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (also known as CF) at 8 weeks old.
Rowan's life has been a difficult one from the very beginning. He was unwell from birth and struggled to gain weight, then he was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. The news was a blow to the family, especially since they already had experience with the condition – a cousin lost her life to Cystic Fibrosis in 1997, when she was just 14 years old.
Despite the fear and stress that came with Rowan's diagnosis, the family found hope in the care and guidance of the CF team at Westmead Children’s Hospital. They were given the tools they needed to care for Rowan, and they learnt that there had been many advances in medicine since their cousin's passing; therefore, with the right care and attention, Rowan could live a long and healthy life.
Taking care of Rowan, who has just turned one, is a family affair; whenever there are challenges, they all rally to create solutions. When Rowan's mum, Sian needed to return to work but wasn’t keen on putting him in daycare, Rowan's grandmother offered to care for Rowan while Sian worked from their home. Meanwhile, Rowan's father Paul (Lauren’s brother), is a nurse and, along with Sian they are both a vital part of Rowan’s physio and daily routine.
Now, Lauren is participating in the 65K 4 65 Roses marathon to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis. Lauren's family will be there to cheer her on as she runs 42 kilometers, but Lauren isn't just doing this for herself, she's doing it for Rowan and all the other people who are living with CF.
Lauren has already raised $550, but she's not stopping there. Her goal is to raise $1000, and she's inviting others to join her.
For Lauren, this is more than just a run, it's about making a difference in the lives of those she loves and those she's never met. So come and join Lauren in this mission. Take a step, make a difference, and help bring hope and support to people living with Cystic Fibrosis.
You can register to walk or run the 7km or 21km, or challenge yourself in recognition of the daily challenges faced by people living with Cystic Fibrosis by registering for the 42km or 65km.
In Australia, 1 in 2500 babies are born with CF, that’s one every four days. Unknown to many Australians however is that 1 in 25 people carry the recessive CF gene.
CF causes the body to create thick and sticky mucus that clogs the lungs, airways and digestive system. There is currently no cure.
Funds are split equally between the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation in support of the Westmead Children’s Hospital Cystic Fibrosis Clinic and Cystic Fibrosis Community Care.