Jackson O'Brien

I am standing up to cancer with Canteen

Did you know that, every single day, 3 young Aussies hear the words that no one ever wants to hear. "You have cancer" and their worlds are turned upside down in an instant. Well in 2012 at age just 15, I heard those words as I was diagnosed with cancer. More specifically, mucoepidermoid carcinoma which resulted in me losing a significant portion of my lung.

Now 10 years on, aged 25 with a smile on my face and that weight lifted off my chest (pun intended) let's get into the exciting stuff.

 Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is rare gland-type tumor, that along with a number of other intermediate-type cells make up a distinct group of lung malignancies of less than 1% of all lung cancers. Pretty cool right? 1% of something! 

Even more rare than that, is the percentage of the world population that completes a marathon each year... that's right a MARATHON! The percentage of that is 0.01% of the world's population per year. You read it right 0.01% of the world's population, you can't get much more special than that.

Well here is the thing, you can get more special. Every single day, there is 63 young Australians that get told that either they or a close family member has been diagnosed with cancer. To me, each and every one of those 63 young people are much, much more special than running 42 kilometres. Their smile, their laugh, their dreams, their aspirations, their future. The list goes on.

For that reason, I have decided to challenge myself in a way that I have never been challenged before. I will be putting my feet to the pavement this year and entering in not just one but TWO RACES! I will be looking to participate in the Noosa Half Marathon in May, followed by the Gold Coast Marathon in July! 

Now whilst I get to become part of the 0.01% (if i finish) I am not doing it for me. I am doing it for the other 62 young Aussies that heard the heart aching news the same day I did. I am doing it for the mother, father, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, nan, pop and loved ones that didn't get to see the 10 years that I have been fortunate to see. I am doing it for Canteen, who supports young people living with cancer, whether it is their own diagnosis, or that of a parent or sibling.

I am Raising It to ensure young Aussies impacted by cancer still receive the support they need during this difficult and isolating time. 

Please help me help them, by giving whatever you can using the 'Donate' button. The more people that know about Canteen, the greater the impact, so please also spread the word by sharing my page with your friends and family.

Thank you in advance for your generosity, it means more to me than i could ever express!

Full disclosure: I am not an avid runner. Matter of fact, I left the house for my first ever "run" on New Years day 2023. So please don't think I will be setting a blistering pace... But I can promise I will reach the finishing line one way or another.