Passion is contagious, and when it comes to fundraising, nothing makes your efforts more successful than sharing your motivation with the world.
It is often the toughest moments in life that spark our desire to do something to make a difference.
But fundraising can be tough. It takes courage and motivation to raise funds for a cause close to your heart, and once you are compelled to do so, the idea can be daunting.
Here’s the thing: it doesn’t matter how much you raise. It is the journey you took and the community you inspired along the way to support Australians living with lung disease.
Lung Foundation Australia’s Fundraising and Donor Engagement Manager Amy Rymer, said the people she has worked with over the years all have a unique reason for finding their motivation to raise funds.
“I have been privileged to work with people such as Brittany Riordan who recently raised over $7,000 in support of her mum, Carolyn, who is living with lung cancer,” Amy said.
“When Brittany’s mum was diagnosed she felt helpless and took it upon herself to find something that would support research. She knew the Sydney Blackmores Run – the half marathon – was a few months away and thought ‘this is it, this is what I want to do.’”
Amy’s experience supporting community fundraisers has introduced her to some truly inspiring people. Most recently she met Alex, whose mum Joanne, was diagnosed with lung cancer three years ago. To show her love and support, Alex promised her mum that if she started losing her hair after chemotherapy she would shave her hair as well. Joanne and Alex chose to shave their heads together in front of their family and friends and raised an incredible $3,000 for lung cancer research.
“Living with lung cancer, we often have times where we feel alone, but the amount of people who all came together and supported us when I shaved my hair is a true testament to how incredible our friends and community are,” Alex said.
It has been courage to share personal stories, Amy says, that have yielded some of the biggest results.
“I talk to people every day that have been personally touched by lung disease, and the common aspect among them is their passion to raise funds and awareness in this area,” Amy said.
“Despite what is happening in their lives, they are incredibly determined to reach their goals. They have hope that the funds and awareness they are raising is contributing to a better tomorrow for all Australians living with lung disease and I find that truly inspiring.
“I sincerely thank each of our fundraisers for choosing Lung Foundation Australia as the organisation to invest their funds in such a way. We could not continue our work in this area without you.
If you choose to fundraise for Lung Foundation Australia, we’re here to help you. Our fundraisers are fundamental in helping us achieve our mission – to improve lung health and reduce the impact of lung disease for all Australians. With over seven million Aussies affected by a lung disease, this is a fight we are all in together.
Find out more or get involved here.