Louise on the Beaches

I'm creating a Body Wall of Hero Dedications - Who's your hero?

Two weeks out from the event and things are going well with my swimming - despite a small confidence blip a couple of weeks ago, we are all good. Though really hoping for good ocean conditions on the day! 

But now - it’s serious fundraising time. I’ve been toying with this idea, and here it is….I am literally selling my legs for cancer research! Keep with me....

As you may have read in my first article, I was inspired to join the Can Too Autumn 1km Ocean Swim by both my own non-melanoma skin cancer diagnosis earlier this year, and by wanting to face my fears which have grown over ocean swimming. 

I am not alone in either of these things. Sadly, we all know people affected by cancer whether as a patient, a carer or a loved one. Equally, we all know many people who face struggles, challenges and fears every day. All people we admire, care for, and are inspired by - our heroes..

So what better way to raise funds than to ‘sell my legs’ to create a Body Wall of Hero Dedications to ‘Remember, Recognise and Celebrate the heroes in our lives who have faced, or are facing, cancer, challenges & fears, every day.’

Simply:

• Donate $20 (suggestion only, could be less, could be more) and I will add your Hero Dedication on my ‘body wall’ on event day….lots of space on these legs! 

• Include the name(s) of your hero(es) in your Sponsors message, or text it to me on 0424 613942

All Hero Dedications will be added to my arms & legs ready for the event - and they will all go across the finish line with me. 

Thank you for your support xx

My skin cancer and I are doing the Can Too 1km Ocean Swim in support of cancer research & prevention.

Yep. In January this year, at my second annual skin cancer check, I became an Aussie statistic - one of the 2 in 3 people living in Australia diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer in their lifetime. I'm one of the lucky ones - it's easily treatable, very rarely spreads or has fatal consequences.....but for THREE 'nothing-looking' marks on my skin to test positive as Basal Cell Carcinoma's (BCC's) was definitely a reality check. 

Again, non-melanomas, easily treatable, best one's to get....but still! I'm the most careful one in the family. I'm the one who nags everyone else. I'm the one getting the annual skin check....but...I do love the sun, and I have burnt my shoulders and my stomach where these little nothings were found. 

And in the last few weeks I have become very aware of how few people actually get checks, and that I know more people than I realised who have found melanoma skin cancer. So I've been thinking about how to share my experience and raise awareness - as with all cancers, early detection is always better!

Alongside that, I've realised that despite competing in (ha ha, typo, completing....I sooo wasn't competing!) 5 triathlons in my 40s, as I settle into my 50's (52 in May) I still haven't cracked ocean swimming - from my style, strength and breathing, to my confidence swimming in groups! I love the ocean, live near the ocean, love an ocean dip all year round....but I rarely/no longer go ocean swimming. 

So, when the text message from Can Too told me there were places available for the 1km Ocean Swim challenge in April, and that I would be raising money for early career cancer research, whilst completing an ocean swim training program, and ultimately the 1km ocean swim, how could I say no? It spoke to me - this is my time to raise funds for cancer research, raise awareness and face my fears.

The money I raise will go towards innovation in the prevention, care, and control of cancer, through investment in over 200 one-year cancer research grants.

I would be ecstatic to receive a donation to show your support of cancer research and the important and amazing outcomes it achieves.

And please, show your support of me by getting a skin cancer check!

Thank you in advance for your support!

Louise x