Strathpine’s Dr Rebecca Langdon is gearing up to participate in the International Women’s Day Fun Run, presented by Queensland X-ray, on March 10 in Brisbane.
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This marks the sixth consecutive year that Dr Langdon will be running in the event, donning a giant inflatable breast costume.
“Cancer is scary, but somehow an enormous breast seems to bring joy and laughter – who knew!” Dr Langdon said.
She said she takes part each year in memory of her friend Tara Simmons, as well as other women in her life who have been diagnosed with or impacted by breast cancer.
“Tara had noticed changes in her breast and followed this finding up. This led to a diagnoses of stage three multifocal ductal carcinoma, which ended up being triple negative in type.
She noted that triple-negative breast cancers are highly aggressive, with limited targeted treatment options.
“Unfortunately for Tara, her cancer metastasised and she died shortly before her 35th birthday in 2019. This year would have been her 40th birthday.
“I’m inspired by the researchers who dedicate their careers in advancing breast cancer treatment and care; the doctors, nurses, and medical staff to care and treat patients.
“I’m inspired also by the donors themselves, choosing to give money towards this wonderful cause.
Dr Langdon acknowledged that research is expensive, and there are few options currently available for treating specific types of cancer like triple-negative breast cancer. She believes that the more time and money invested in finding new treatments, the more lives can be saved.
Joining Dr Langdon in the event is Australian boxing legend Jeff Horn, a father of three young girls. Horn said he desired to show support for women diagnosed with the disease, noting that everyone knows someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Mr Horn shared that women are strong and fight hard when faced with a battle against cancer, and he wanted to help raise awareness in honour of these women.
Funds raised from the event will go towards life-saving breast cancer research and support services for breast cancer patients at Mater hospitals across Queensland.
This year’s event is set to be the biggest ever, with a record 23,000 people expected to hit the streets of Brisbane on March 10, after the Mater Foundation increased the capacity from 20,000 last year due to unprecedented demand. It was noted that even with an additional 3,000 places, the iconic 5km fun run still sold out in a record 25 days.
With less than three weeks until the event, Mr Horn is calling on Queenslanders across the state to create or join ‘virtual’ fun runs in their communities.
The virtual challenge allows people to walk, jog, or run 5km, or choose their own distance, in their neighbourhood anytime between Sunday, March 3, and Sunday, March 10.
Mater Foundation Chief Executive Andrew Thomas said thousands of Queenslanders have already thrown their support behind the virtual challenge after the Brisbane CBD event sold out in record time.
Mr Thomas stated that this year’s event will be the biggest ever, and there is still time for Queenslanders everywhere to sign up online to a fun run in their community.
“People are gathering their family, friends, work colleagues and even their fur babies to be part of their team.
“From local parks, along the coastline or even on a treadmill – the possibilities are endless.”
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Those interested can register for the virtual event at www.womensdayfunrun.com.au.
Published 5-March-2024