Fifth annual Walk4Braincancer Tasmania to be held tomorrow

The fifth annual Walk4BrainCancer Tasmania is being held tomorrow—Sunday, 4 November 2018—at Dru Point Bicentennial Park in Margate.

The previous four Tasmanian walks, organised by brain cancer survivor Senator Catryna Bilyk, have raised over $120,000 for Cure Brain Cancer Foundation.

“This inspirational two-kilometre walk along the shores of North-West Bay not only supports a very important cause, but it’s also a lot of fun,” Senator Bilyk said.

“Every year there is a great social atmosphere as around 200-300 participants get together and walk together, united in their determination to work towards an end to brain cancer.

“Once again there will be a sausage sizzle, a raffle, merchandise sales and live music from local entertainer, Fiona Hutchison.

“The track is flat and suitable for prams and wheelchairs, and walkers can also bring their dogs as long as they are kept on a lead at all times.”

Last year, Senator Bilyk pursued the establishment of, and chaired, a Senate Select Committee which inquired into research funding for cancers with low survival rates.

“There was a strong focus on brain cancer through the Committee’s submissions and public hearings, which should be of little surprise to anyone who is aware that it kills more young Australian adults than any other cancer and more Australian children than any other disease,” Senator Bilyk said.

“We know that only one in five people diagnosed with brain cancer survive more than five years after diagnosis, and that survival rates have barely improved in decades.

“The heartbreaking stories I heard through the inquiry hearings has made me more determined than ever to improve survival rates for this terrible disease.”

A short memorial service will be held before the walk and participants will be invited to hang paper cranes bearing messages to loved ones who have died of brain cancer on a nearby tree.

Other Walk4BrainCancer events are being held across Australia, and are expected to raise around $1 million this year.

“It is because of fundraising events like Walk4BrainCancer, that Cure Brain Cancer Foundation has been able to commit $20 million to the $105 million Australian Brain Cancer Mission,” Senator Bilyk said.

“We know from experience with other forms of cancer the impact that fundraising and improved research collaboration can have on survival rates.

“I have no doubt that the contributions participants and their sponsors make to Walk4BrainCancer will ultimately save lives.”

So far, more than 100 walk participants have registered online and have already raised over $10,000.

Anyone interested in registering for this year’s walk, or sponsoring another participant, can do so online at https://www.walk4braincancer.com.au/events/129/w4bc-tasmania-2018.

News and updates about the walk are available through the walk’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Walk4BrainCancerTas.

Senator Catryna Bilyk is Senator for Tasmania