Her journey begins in the Local Suburbs of the Moreton Shire using motherhood instinct, the will to survive and age old Martial Art Strength.
Local woman Jacci Longstaff is walking for cancer sufferers across Australia to raise funds to beat the disease that effects countless households. Using her motherhood drive, martial art perseverance and a good person desire to help others, Jacci has been preparing for months to tackle the streets in the name of beating cancer.
The Weekend to End Women`s Cancers is being held October 26-27. The funds raised will benefit QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute (QIMR Berghofer) and Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH). Many participants are cancer survivors and carers of cancer sufferers. One of the survivors taking part in the walk is a young Ocean View mum of two, Jacci Longstaff.
Jacci underwent a full hysterectomy due to cervical cancer in 2010 and had the last of seven surgeries to remove the last of the affected area in 2011. Jacci`s story has a happy ending, she survived and she has two beautiful children. Many women are not so lucky.
The Department of Health and Aging reports that
- Cervical cancer is the 13th most common cancer affecting Australian women, with about 780 new cases diagnosed in 2008 and around 200 deaths in 2007.
- The most common type of cervical cancer (squamous) usually takes more than 10 years to develop.
Taking on the 60 kilometer walk through local neighborhoods, Jacci is quoted as saying “it’s going to be a challenge, but I’m ready to do something bold and powerful in effort to end women’s cancers once and for all. My commitment is based on love for my fellow sisters, mothers, grandmas, daughters, nieces, and friends everywhere. It is based on the realisation that we each need to do our part in this fight. I can walk. I can raise funds to benefit the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) and Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) and their efforts to end women’s cancers. I can and choose to be a part of this movement to take down women’s cancers!” To date Jacci has raised just over $4500
When asked what will be the hardest thing about the walk Jacci replied “ the emotional toll, knowing that so many other people walking have been through the same thing. There is a lot of time to think”
A 30 kilometer walk would be a physical challenge for most of us, but to have to back it up with another 30 kilometer walk the next day is an amazing feat. Training has been difficult for Jacci as she suffered a bout of Ross River Fever in March and has not been able to put as much time into training as she would like to.
To support Jacci with a donation go to the Walk to End All Women’s Cancers website and enter Jacci Longstaff under donations. In Jacci`s words” I ask you to take a stance with me and join this life-saving adventure for all women. Be a part of my very personal journey – by giving, by walking with me, or simply by sharing my story with your circle of influence” Jacci commented.
Factor10 Martial Arts is supporting Jacci in her fund raising endeavors. As a martial artist herself and both her children training at Factor10, the martial arts community is rallying behind this special cause that has touched everyone in some way.
