Nasreen with her son, Mahmoud
Lung Cancer has hit my family hard over the past 10 years. I have lost my father, my husband Izzat and both of my in-laws to this disease. In 2011, my father’s diagnosis took us by surprise because essentially, he was fit and healthy and had no symptoms. Within a short time the disease deprived us of him. His morals, generous nature, intelligence and wit is what I hold onto every day when I think of him. In 2017, my husband developed back pain that turned out to be a metastatic lesion from Lung Cancer. We were devastated. But Izzat soldiered on through the pain, continued to work and live life to the fullest despite the disease. He refused to lie down and fought as hard as he could against the odds. I can’t put to words the devastation you feel when you are hit with a life changing diagnosis. His focus changed to ensuring that the kids and I were going to be ok. Our family and friends were shocked because Izzat was relatively young (50) and was a much loved and respected member of the family and community. Lung Cancer once again claimed another member of my family. As I come to terms with my loss, I went in search of fundraising campaigns in Australia for Lung Cancer and I was disappointed to find very little if any. November is Lung Cancer awareness month and despite all the walks, runs and social campaigns that took place around the world, I could not find anything that I could contribute to in Australia. So I am determined to do some fundraising for Lung Cancer research and build awareness. Like Izzat, I will soldier on and work hard to help others and like my father, I will be generous and steadfast in my cause to fight Lung Cancer.
I lost my father, Saleh, to Lung Cancer in 2012 (68)
I lost my dear husband, Izzat, to Lung Cancer in 2018 (50)
The stigma surrounding lung cancer has had a devastating impact on the level of funding, research and support available to people living with lung cancer. Although it is by far the most common cause of cancer death in Australia and worldwide, it only attracts 5% of research funding. The InLuCC fundraising campaign aims to break down the stigma and increase awareness of this neglected disease. All funds will go to the team of world class researchers at the Ingham Institute of Applied medical research specifically for lung cancer research. There are a number of different research opportunities in the Lung Cancer space, one of which is to establish a lung cancer biobank that will assist researchers to improve their understand of the disease and provide a basis for cancer control using targeted treatments and to hopefully find a cure.
Inspired by the Jog for Georgie campaign in the UK, I pledge that come rain, hail or shine: I will run, jog or walk at least 3km a day, every day, for a full year; 365 days. My aim is to raise $25,000 within the year. If I don’t hit the target within the year, I will set myself a new challenge and continue until I do. If I hit the target within 6 months, I will set a new target and continue my pledge. You can help make a difference today. Help me to raise much-needed funds for Lung Cancer research. It’s time to give Lung Cancer a fair go because if you have lungs, you can get Lung Cancer.
The campaign commenced 1/1/2019
Typical run route #1
Typical run route #2Lung Cancer accounts for 9% of all cancer diagnoses in NSW, the fifth most common cancer and it is estimated that 12,741 Australians will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2018. 9198 people are estimated to lose their lives to this disease in NSW and an estimated 9.6 million deaths worldwide. One Australia dies every hour from lung cancer and the rate of death is more than breast, prostate and ovarian cancers combined. Approximately 80% of Lung Cancer cases are thought to be caused by smoking. Other causes include:
5 year survival of Lung Cancer is extremely low at 17%. 1 in 3 women diagnosed with lung cancer in Australia have never smoked and 29% of incidence in men is related to workplace exposure. Incidence of lung cancer in young women who have never smoked appears to be on the rise. There are 16 cancers that can be caused by smoking not just Lung Cancer. 1 in 8 cancer cases and 1 in 5 cancer deaths are caused by smoking. There are also many non-cancer conditions that are attributed to smoking yet they do not have the same stigma attached to them as Lung Cancer. Compared with other cancers, poor mental health for those living with Lung cancer is 29.6% higher than average.
“You are an inspiration xx Vicky”
“For you Nasreen.”
“Nasreen you are an inspiration. I admire your dedication and courage for starting this campaign. I look forward to joining you in a few of your walks/runs!”
“Nasreen you are amazing and such a strong woman. Good luck with your goal I’m sure you’ll smash it.”
“Dear Nasreen, Mahmoud and family – we’re inspired by your story and wish you all the best on your fundraising quest. Merran & Terry Findlay”
“Happy to support your cause Nasreen!!!”
“Well done Nasreen. Best wishes as you undertake this challenge.”
“Thank you for all your efforts in fundraising.”
“Happy to be able to support this very important cause. I’ll even help with steps if ever your legs need a little rest. xx Liz”
“Good work! Great job for January :)”
“Keep up the great work”
“Thank you AJCA for your donations at the Graduation Event”
“Thank you Nasreen for what you do for patients and your family”
“Great job for Feb/March! Keep up the great work :)”
“Go for it”
“Keep up the running. You are a truely amazing woman. Thinking of you, Rebecca”
“Great cause. You’ve shown commitment and passion for this cause. We’re behind you.”
“I am so proud of you and your family! My family and I send all our love and support to you all. You’re truly an inspiration ❤️”
“It may not feel like it every day, but you are making a difference, Nasreen.”
“This is for Susie’s lovely mum, who passed away last week, in lieu of flowers. Rest in peace oxoxoxo”
“Inspirational Nasreen, such an important cause.”
“So proud of you Nasreen.”
“Nasreen you truly are an amazing woman and I sincerely hope that your determination has a positive outcome for lung cancer patients. I am donating $1 for each kilometer you have, or intend to, walk this year.”
“Nasreen your dad & husband would be so proud of you. You are an inspiration and I have no doubt you will smash this challenge.”
“I hope with all your hard work Nasreen, with raising money for the research you can make a difference. Good luck”
“Amazing! Wishing you all the best for your fundraising!”
“Best Wishes”
“So sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences. Wish there was more I could do <3”
“Sorry for your losses Nasreen. Thanks for your bravery in sharing your story and commitment to raising much needed awareness of lung cancer and funds for research. If you ever need somebody to run alongside you around Bigge Park, let me know. Cheers, Ben”
“Dear Nasreen, highly appreciate your effort in raising the fund for ajust cause, all the best”
“So inspirational Nasreen, raising money and awareness for a great cause! Congratulations on one month in and doing so well x”
“A great cause, well done!”
“I pray they find a cure for cancer.”
“Dearest Nasreen, you have always been an inspiration to me since we were young and it doesn’t surprise me at all that you are doing such a selfless act to raise money for such a worthy cause. I wish you all the best!”
“Inshallah you raise more than $20000. You are an inspiration!”
“What strength you have to have experienced this terrible disease over and over and get out there every day to run/walk towards fighting it and finding a cure! You are inspirational! “
“We wish you all the best for this very good cause”
“great effort Nasreen!”
“For Amani. I know how hard it has been for her, and I hope one day families will never to suffer under this disease again.”
“Happy birthday, Amani!”
“You are an inspiration Nasreen. Wishing you the very best”
“Amazing work Sis! You are doing so well and you are an inspiration to everyone with your dedication and hard work! There are only a few special people in this world and you are one of them! Xoxo”
“Such an amazing effort and commitment”
“Amazing courage Nasreen .. All the best and love to the family .”
