Tommaso D’Orsogna, Olympic medallist and doctor, chose to go alcohol-free for Dry July 2024. He chose to support Lung Foundation Australia and raise vital funds in honour of his late aunt Jen, who sadly lost her journey to lung cancer a few years ago. He spoke to us to share his story and the importance of fundraising for the lung health community.
A bronze medallist at the 2012 Summer Olympics in the men’s 4 x 100m medley relay, Tommaso now works as a Radiology registrar. Used to living a healthy lifestyle as his years as an athlete, as a doctor he believes it’s important to encourage others to be mindful of indulgences such as alcohol.
What has inspired you to fundraise and support Lung Foundation Australia?
I thought this would be a great tribute to my late aunt. My sister had previously done Dry July to fundraise for cancer. I thought it would also be a great opportunity to get involved and raise money whilst living a little bit healthier.
Can you please tell us a bit more about your aunt’s experience with a lung condition?
My aunty Jen was a very healthy person and a non-smoker. She was diagnosed with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer and passed away after managing it for as long as she could. Jen was a very caring and loving person. She was a wonderful aunty, mother and, fortunately, grandmother who will be sorely missed by our family.
How did you come to learn about Lung Foundation Australia?
I had come across the Lung Foundation through my work as a doctor. I knew they were active in supporting people with lung disease and lung cancer. So, when I saw that I could contribute through my fundraising efforts with Dry July, I thought it would be a great tribute to my Aunty Jen.
What does it mean to you, to be doing Dry July and supporting other people impacted by lung disease and lung cancer?
I’m hoping my fundraising efforts will help support other families affected by lung disease or lung cancer. Particularly those that are less fortunate and need the added support.
What would you say to others considering fundraising?
Jump in!
Nothing to lose and you’re not only going to benefit yourself. You may also have a lasting positive impact on someone else or their family.
As an Olympian and an athlete, how does using your platform influence you in doing something like Dry July?
As an athlete, a healthy lifestyle is a part of the job, so cutting out alcohol was never an issue. Now as a doctor, I think it’s important to encourage others to live a healthy lifestyle. That includes being mindful of indulgences like alcohol, whilst also encouraging people to support the less fortunate.
Is there anything you’d like to say to the people who donate to Lung Foundation Australia?
Thank you for your support, every little bit counts and will have a lasting positive impact. I wish all the best to all those people out there who are, or who have loved ones, affected by lung disease or lung cancer.
There’s still time to donate to Lung Foundation Australia for Dry July. Funds raised this Dry July 2024 will help fund the Lung Cancer Support Nurse Service. The Lung Cancer Support Nurse provides a telephone-based service for patients, their families, and carers at any stage of their lung cancer journey.
Thank you to all our Dry July fundraisers this year, who have collectively raised over $46,000 for 2024.
