Pounding the pavement to help find a cure for cancer

This year Joan was unable to travel to Brisbane to take part in the walk which takes participants over the Story Bridge and finishing at the beautiful south Bank Parklands. Joan’s walk may have looked a little bit different, walking around the community and nearby park, but her efforts in raising funds for the PA Hospital Research Foundation is something that Joan says is incredibly important to her. Joan and her family have been touched by cancer on more than one occasion.

“My husband suffered from Parkinson’s Disease, and we met an incredible specialist who helped to treat him. My son also past from esophageal cancer and my son in law battled with a little-known disease. I needed to thank someone, somewhere for my health and for the great work of the medical professionals who have taken care of my loved ones, that is why I do my best to raise funds for cancer research. For the past five years I have walked with my daughter-in-law Felicity who has always been a tower of strength,” said Joan.

On the day Joan walked to help find a cure for cancer, she was greeted by two very special guests, Lauren Tot, Community Fundraising Manager and Damian Topp, CEO of the PA Research Foundation.

“Lauren walked me over to this rather tall fellow and asked do you know who this is? I said no… She said this is Damian Topp the CEO of the PA Hospital Research Foundation. Damian has been following your fundraising journey over the years and is very impressed and would like to walk with you today,” said Joan.

Joan is a long-time supporter of the PA Research Foundation and works hard to raise funds and awareness for Amyloidosis Research. “What an inspiration Joan is! It was an honour to walk along-side Joan during her virtual walk and to be able to see the support of her wonderful community,” said Lauren Tot, Community Fundraising Manager at the PA Hospital Research Foundation.

Joan raised a whopping $2,160 to help find a cure for cancer and was welcomed by an immense amount of support from the Redbank Palms community who greeted Joan at the end of her walk with an array of applause and a sausage sizzle.

“I moved to the Redbank Palms community after my husband past to help find a sense of security. It was the best thing I ever did!” said Joan.

Joan is very social within the community where you can often find her keeping active by enjoying a social game of bowls, grooving her way through line dancing class, or on her evening 4km walk. “I dog walk for a friend of mine, who lends me her husband who joins me on my evening walks to help train me for my fundraising walks,” said Joan.

“I love my life! I have made so many life-long friends, I am involved in so many wonderful activities and really do feel a tremendous amount of support. I would recommend this community to anyone looking to make the move,” concluded Joan.

With Joan already thinking about her sixth year participating in the challenge and raising much needed funds, there is no doubt her community will be their supporting her again. “We can’t wait to do again next year Joan!” concluded Lauren.

Offering the best of both words, Redbank Palms is nestled amongst beautiful natural parklands whilst still being ideally located near the convenience of the city. Start your morning with laps in the pool, catch up with friends for a BBQ outdoors or settled in with a good book in the library.

With many sought after amenities, you’re free to set the pace of your day. If you’re looking to meet like-minded people and add to your social calendar there are many social events along with the bowling green, craft room and tool shed. Resident can discover the nearby world-class walking tracks, pack a picnic to enjoy by the river or indulge in a day out to Brisbane to visit the shops, museums, and essential medical services. Don’t drive? Don’t worry! There is a community bus as well as transport at the gate.

To learn more, visit the Redbank Palms on our website.