Royce Kearnan has challenged himself to walk 100 km as part of the Kosi Challenge. Photos: Supplied.
Wollongong’s Royce Kearnan kicked off an epic 100-km walking challenge to raise awareness and funds for Rare Cancers Australia (RCA) on Saturday (1 March), with a gruelling 43-km lap around Lake Illawarra taking him 10 hours.
While hundreds will climb Mount Kosciuszko for the annual Kosi Challenge this month, Royce is instead championing the virtual event, by tackling some of the Illawarra’s toughest but most scenic terrain — including Mount Keira, Sublime Point, the Blue Mile and even powering up and down Crown Street Mall on his lunch breaks.
He said he was unable to make it to Thredbo for the annual fundraising event to climb Australia’s highest peak, but as someone who works in oncology, this was another way for him to take steps to support Australians battling rare and less common cancers.
“I’m excited to take on this incredible challenge, one that will test my endurance while supporting a cause close to my heart,” Royce said.
“I’ve spent over a decade in oncology, first as a radiation therapist, helping thousands of patients through treatment, and now as an RCA specialist cancer navigator, where I work one-on-one with people to bridge the gaps in their care.
“This challenge is personal because I know how much support can mean to someone navigating cancer.”
He said in his job as a navigator at RCA, he saw firsthand the impact that a rare or less common cancer diagnosis could have.
“While no cancer journey is easy, rare cancer patients face unique challenges, such as isolation, limited treatment information, and massive out-of-pocket costs,” he said.
“As a team we are committed to changing that, ensuring that no Australian cancer patient is left behind.
“I see this challenge as a great opportunity to raise awareness and funds to help support the work that RCA does and to shine a light on the issues that many people living with rare cancers face.”
Royce as he navigated his way around Lake Illawarra to raise funds and awareness for Rare Cancers Australia on Saturday.
The Kosi Challenge, to take place on 14-15 March, has been held annually since 2013 and involves patients and families uniting to climb the mountain and raise funds for people in Australia affected by rare, less common and complex cancers.
Since it started, more than 4000 people have taken part and raised $4.6 million, with 22,000 kms climbed just last year.
Those unable to attend the two days in Thredbo can now take part “virtually” by walking or running 25 kms, 50 kms or reaching a goal of choice through their own communities while raising funds.
Rare Cancers Australia began in Bowral in 2012, and opened an office in Wollongong late last year using a 360-degree care model involving emotional, financial and clinical support, along with advocacy and policy work with governments to make change.
It helps patients with rare cancers who often face more inequities in comparison to patients with the five common cancers – breast, bowel, melanoma, prostate and lung – including limited access to specialised treatments, fewer support options, limited information and less clinical expertise.
To join Royce in the virtual Kosi Challenge, sign up for your own walk, or support Royce by donating to his page.
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