This Lung Health Awareness Month, participants across Australia are stepping outside their comfort zones and taking on personal challenges to support Lung Foundation Australia.
For Jade Ridley, Erin Webster, and Kaylah Raubenheimer, the upcoming HBF Run for a Reason is about far more than crossing a finish line. It’s about honouring loved ones, raising awareness of lung health, and turning grief into action.
Jade Ridley, WA
At just 28 years old, Perth local Jade Ridley is taking on the HBF Run for a Reason 3km event in memory of the woman who raised her — her nanna, Susan.
“I’ve always wanted to participate in a marathon, and after my nanna’s passing, I thought it would be a good idea to put them both together.”
Jade’s fundraising journey began after losing her nanna to lung cancer just weeks after diagnosis.
“My nanna Susan passed away from lung cancer only nine weeks after diagnosis. She was strong until the end.”
For Jade, taking part is deeply emotional, a way to honour Susan’s memory while helping other families facing similar heartbreak.
“I’m doing this in honour and memory of my nanna. I want to help others who may be going through what my family and I have been through.”
Her message about lung health is simple but powerful.
“You only get one set of lungs, so treat them with the love and care they deserve.”
Despite admitting she hasn’t exactly followed a strict training schedule — “I haven’t… whoops!” — Jade has already achieved something she’s incredibly proud of.
“Reaching over $800 through donations made me so happy knowing I have such a good support system.”
She hopes her challenge encourages others to take care of themselves and support those around them.
“Please take care of yourself and your body. You are loved.”
And for anyone considering taking on a challenge of their own?
“Do it. It will be a good experience.”
Erin Webster, WA
Perth drama teacher and self-confessed running lover Erin Webster is taking on the HBF Run for a Reason 12km event in memory of her mum.
It’s her first event in over 13 years, and one she never imagined would carry such personal meaning.
“My mum was diagnosed with idiopathic lung disease in 2016. She was only 61 and had never smoked.”
Erin watched as her mum’s condition progressively worsened, eventually leading to a lung transplant. Sadly, complications after surgery meant she never fully recovered.
“It’s awful watching someone full of life struggle to breathe.”
That experience changed Erin’s perspective forever.
“After Mum died, I became so conscious of the work my lungs do. When I run, I’m acutely aware that my lungs are doing 50% of the work.”
Her motivation for fundraising comes from wanting to create hope for other families and push for more research and earlier intervention.
“I’d love to see more research in early treatment so fewer families have to go through this.”
Training for the 12km has come with its own challenges, balancing life, parenting, and sore knees along the way. But Erin says the support around her has kept her going.
“On the days I don’t want to run, I think about the people who donated and know I can’t let them down.”
Unexpectedly, the challenge has also created connection.
“We started a little ‘mum run club’ — it’s become social, supportive and really fun.”
Her message to others is direct and heartfelt:
“Lungs are your lifeline — look after them.”
And when asked what she’d say to someone considering taking on a challenge for lung health?
“Just do it.”
Kaylah Raubenheimer, WA
For Perth local Kaylah Raubenheimer, taking on her first half marathon is about far more than achieving a personal best.
A passionate runner, triathlete and lover of the outdoors, Kaylah thrives on pushing herself outside her comfort zone.
“I believe in the importance of balance — my motto is ‘do it all, or do nothing at all.’”
After completing the HBF 12km event last year, she knew she wanted to go even further.
“I loved the atmosphere and I enjoy pushing myself towards accomplishing new things.”
Now, she’s set herself an ambitious goal: completing the half marathon in under 90 minutes. But alongside the physical challenge is a much deeper motivation.
“My best friend’s mum had been battling lung cancer and recently passed away this March.”
Wanting to support her friend and honour her family’s experience, Kaylah decided to turn her running journey into something meaningful.
“I’m running to make a difference towards raising awareness about lung health.”
Her fundraising journey has also become personal in another unexpected way. This year, Kaylah has been navigating REDS (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport), learning the importance of fuelling and caring for her body while training intensely.
“It’s been hard, but I’ve learnt so much through the process and developed a better understanding of the importance of staying strong, fit and healthy.”
For Kaylah, lung health is something many people — particularly young people — often overlook.
“We take healthy lungs for granted until it affects our ability to stay active, connect with others, and experience life fully.”
As a triathlete, she says the challenge has made her even more aware of how important lung health really is.
“I’m incredibly grateful to be fit and healthy, and I couldn’t imagine what those experiencing poor lung health may be going through.”
Training for the event has required discipline, resilience and balance, juggling university, sport and life commitments.
“The biggest challenge has definitely been staying motivated and balancing everything leading up to exams.”
But despite the long runs and demanding schedule, she says the experience has been incredibly rewarding.
“Seeing what my body can do and knowing I’m doing this for a good cause has been amazing.”
She’s also been inspired by the support around her — from coaches and family to friends cheering her on throughout the journey.
“Having people recognise and support my efforts has been wonderful.”
Through her fundraising, Kaylah hopes to inspire other young people to think differently about lung health and recognise the importance of prevention and awareness.
“I want to reinforce how lucky we are to move our bodies and be healthy — something we often take for granted.”
Her message to others considering taking on a challenge is simple, energetic and unmistakably her.
“If you’re thinking about it — do it. You’re pushing yourself outside your comfort zone for a cause greater than yourself.”
And for Kaylah, that’s exactly what this challenge is all about.
“I want to inspire others to step outside their comfort zone for something bigger than themselves.”
Your challenge could change lives
Jade and Erin’s stories are powerful reminders that challenges come in all shapes and sizes, and that every step taken can help create awareness, spark conversations, and support people impacted by lung disease.
Whether it’s a run, a walk, a personal goal or a community event, taking on a challenge is an opportunity to do something meaningful for yourself and for others.
This year, why not challenge yourself and fundraise for lung health too?
Take on your own challenge event and do it for lungs.
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