Cancer victim John Livingston with his daughter Rachel on her wedding day.
Her father, John Livingston, was diagnosed in March, leaving Rachel and her family shocked and in disbelief.
“It was so sudden. He became sick during a lovely holiday with my mum, and within a couple of days he was diagnosed with stage four cancer, with only eight weeks to live,” she says.
“We were devastated. We had no idea he had been living with such a sinister, terminal illness.”
To honour his memory Rachel has taken on the challenge to climb the highest free-standing mountain in the world, Mt Kilimanjaro, to raise funds for gastrointestinal (GI) cancer research, treatments and clinical trials.
The Kilimanjaro Gutsy Challenge involves a week-long trek in East Africa through an array of scenic grasslands and alpine meadows, on route to the breathtaking peak of Kilimanjaro itself.
“I want to make the most of my good health and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It’s been my dream to do a great physical challenge, and what’s better than doing it for GI cancer research, and contributing towards hopefully finding a cure,” she said.
GI cancers include bowel, pancreas, stomach, oesophagus, liver and gallbladder cancer. They kill 29 Australians every day and three people are diagnosed with GI cancer every hour.
“I am doing this climb for myself, for my dad and because it’s for a good cause. I know the climb will be challenging, but it will be nothing compared to the pain and discomfort my dad went through,” she says.
“I never knew much about GI cancer till my dad’s diagnoses. To see him suffer from such an aggressive cancer and have no treatment options was heartbreaking.
“I chose the GI Cancer Institute because its research has led to breakthroughs in gallbladder cancer treatment, and I wanted to climb for a small, trusted charity so that I would know for sure that my money is going towards research.”
The GI Cancer Institute conducts research and clinical trials that find better ways to treat gastrointestinal cancers, and to improve the quality of life during treatment. Patients on clinical trials have the opportunity to gain immediate access to the latest treatments free of cost, being treated safely and effectively.
The GI Cancer Institute is looking for more Gutsy climbers to join its team for the climb, November 13-24. Registration is $770 and the travel cost is $7350.
For information and to sign up for the Kilimanjaro Gutsy Challenge visit: gutsychallenge.com.au or call 1300 905188.
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