Emily Ralph

This year hits different...

You never think cancer will hit so close to home until it does. When my mum was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, it was one of the most surreal and terrifying moments of our lives. In an instant, everything changed. Suddenly our world revolved around hospital appointments, a 12-hour surgery, chemotherapy, and simply hoping for the best.

During one of the hardest times our family has ever faced, Cancer Council Tasmania was there. They provided support, guidance and resources that helped not only Mum, but our whole family navigate the uncertainty. Their support didn't stop when Mum's treatment ended either. She continues to have access to their services as she adjusts to life after cancer, and knowing that support is always there has been incredibly comforting.

Today, we are incredibly grateful to say Mum is cancer-free. But the journey doesn't simply end when treatment does. Chemotherapy is incredibly harsh on the body, and the physical and emotional effects can last for months or even years. There are still ongoing appointments, recovery and challenges that she continues to face every day. Having the ongoing support of Cancer Council Tasmania has made such a difference, and it's one of the many reasons this cause means so much to our family.

I've always supported the Women's 5K because I believed it was such a great cause. But after experiencing cancer in my own family, I now truly understand just how important Cancer Council Tasmania is. You never think you'll be the family who needs their support—you always hope cancer won't touch your life. Unfortunately, cancer doesn't discriminate, and when it does, having Cancer Council Tasmania there can make an incredibly difficult journey a little less overwhelming.

This year, this event means so much more to me than simply taking part in a great fundraiser. It's my opportunity to give back to an organisation that stood beside my mum and our family during one of the hardest chapters of our lives. Every step I take is a thank you for the support they gave us, and a way to help ensure other Tasmanian families receive that same support when they need it most.

If you're in a position to donate, whether it's $5, $20 or $50, I would be so incredibly grateful. Every donation, no matter how small, will help ensure families like mine, and people like my mum can continue receiving the support they need, not just during treatment, but long after it's finished.

I'm fundraising for Cancer Council Tasmania