My story ...
This year for my 59th birthday I am asking my friends and family for donations to the innovative early cancer research programs supported by CanToo.
Cancer research is a cause very close to my heart (and other body parts).
The year I turned 50 I was diagnosed with a stage four blood cancer, known as Non Hodgkin Lymphoma. Over the last eight years I have had the benefit of innovative cancer treatments in the form of more than 20 rounds of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, a stem cell transplant and hundreds of blood tests and other tests and treatments.
There has been a great deal of loss over the last eight years, though I am grateful that I have gained a whole lot more than I lost. I have an incredible group of supportive friends and family, an inner resilience I never knew I had and the benefit of living in a country with the most generous health system in the world.
As a girl capable of doing tough things I made the slightly crazy decision to learn to ocean swim in November 2024. Before I joined the CanToo program I could swim 10m before sinking. On Sunday I swam 750m from Manly to Shelley Beach (astounding I know!) I have been training with CanToo twice a week for the previous 12 weeks. The program has been challenging, a little terrifying, though amazingly exhilarating. Am very grateful that I have had the opportunity to learn to ocean swim and to feel so alive.
Supporting innovative cancer research will give others the opportunity to be there for their kids, for their community and for the people they care about.
You all know I love champagne and fabulous food. This year for my birthday instead of contributing to my increasing waistline, please donate to CanToo. And I promise that I will do my part by continuing to face the challenge of swimming in the ocean.
Love youse all. Monique xx
Thank you to my Sponsors
$500
Tony Loui
$250
Monique Davidson
$200
Anonymous
Well done Mon- I admire your bravery & tenacity so much 💞
$150
Holly Dillon
Inspiring!
$100
Julie Spencer
Ms Mon, You are a WARRIOR woman. I am incredibly proud and inspired constantly by you. Your ocean swim journey has only just begun .....
$100
Catherine Scalercio
Love you. Fuck Cancer.
$100
Amanda Garland
So proud of you taking on this challenge and your whole positive approach to whatever shit gets thrown your way…and happy birthday xxx. A
$100
Elizabeth And Andrew Docking
Your ongoing determination astounds us. Keep living your best life. Love Lilla and Andrew ❤️
$100
Karen Terry
Wishing you all the best in the ocean swim - very brave. xxx
$100
Jodie And Abbey Mayer
You are an inspiration! Love, Jodie and Abbey xxx
$100
Stefanie And Chris Obrien
You are truely amazing 🤩
$59
Ned And Bill
You are a legend! We love you!
$50
Louise And Jon Ambler
What an achievement Mon! Love your determination x
$50
Susan Livesey & John Kerlin
Happy Birthday beautiful friend! You are truly an inspiration! John looking forward to you joining him in the Bold & Beautiful swims! 🏊🏻♀️🌊🐠
$50
Phyllis Sakinofsky
Powered by the inner resilience we all know about...
$50
The Guyots
Well done Mon, you are Super!
$50
Vanessa Venning
Congratulations Mon on conquering another challenge! You are an inspiration. Your resilience unmatched. Lots of love and best wishes as your ocean swimming adventures continue!! Xxx
$50
Jen Gordon
Go Mon!! Scare those fish!! Amazing achievement.
$50
Gillian Spencer
Happy Birthday Mon. You have always been an inspiration. Xxxxx Gill
$50
Liina Gerdes
Happy birthday and happy swimming Monique. Love Liina xxx
$50
Germaine Montgomery
Go for it Mon.
$50
Jacqui Price
Well done Mon.. you are an inspiration!
$30
Anna Taylor
Happy birthday lovely Monique
$30
Toby Hauber
Hope the fish are ready
$25
Irene Fong
If you end up swimming naked … think of the fish 😂
$25
Michelle Crawford
$20
Bernie Du Field
Impressive effort Monique, stay well 😊
$20
Carol Skyring
You're an inspiration Mon.
$5
Gavin Le Roux
$5
Gavin Le Roux
$5
I want to see you do the naked swim ;-)