Monty's Story
‘Fortitudine Vincimus’ – By Endurance We Conquer
I am a student at UQ and I am writing to you for your help to raise awareness and vital funds for the Leukaemia Foundation and AEIOU, organisations that are committed to children with leukaemia and autism.
I fought Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) at the Mater Private Hospital for 2 years. Despite the difficult times since the diagnosis, there has not been a day when I have asked ‘Why Me?’ It is my belief that this form of leukaemia is indiscriminate, and if I wasn’t fighting this battle, someone else would be. I see my diagnosis not as a burden, but as a great challenge; one that I am willing to accept and one I plan to win.
Throughout this whole experience, despite the obvious physical and psychological challenges, I have managed to find light in the darkest of places. I have gone through absolute hell, only to come out the other side with a greater love for life. Whilst I find my way back to normal life, there are still many people fighting the same battle as myself and it is my hope that I can inspire them and help them on their own journey.
City to Longreach is an attempt to prove that a seemingly impossible goal can become attainable with the great support of friends, family and carers. In this case, my goal is to run over 1200km from Brisbane to Longreach. City to Longreach will demonstrate the distances Queenslanders have to travel for vital medical attention. It also serves to create awareness that no illness is a sprint, that the road to recovery is often a slow and arduous marathon.
By making a donation to this cause, not only will you be supporting the many thousands of Australians battling illness and their struggle to recover and live a normal life, but you will also be reminding the community at large that in times of need, anyone can lend a hand and be a friend to those in need.
Your support in making City to Longreach a successful event would be greatly appreciated, bearing in mind that the funds raised will ultimately assist children living with leukaemia or struggling with autism.
Yours sincerely,
Monty Summers
Organiser.
