From Cancer Battles to Karate Championships: Our Fundraising Journey on The Today Show
During the COVID lo
From Cancer Battles to Karate Championships: Our Fundraising Journey on The Today Show
During the COVID lockdown, Sophie, Andy, and I appeared as guests on the Today Show.
We spoke about Sophie’s fundraiser to support the SunUp Challenge, RedKite’s September event, to raise funds for families affected by childhood cancer.
During her interview with Ally and Karl, Sophie spoke eloquently, describing her cancer battle and her gratitude for RedKite.
“At the start, it was very scary. I lost all my hair. I could barely walk. But my friends and family helped me stay positive, and charities like Redkite were very supportive.
Sophie also shared her passion for karate.
“When I do it, I feel strong and powerful, and I love competing, and I love the challenge of the gradings, and everybody at Pollets Martial Arts is kind and encouraging, and I love it so much.”
It was a proud mum moment for me. When I was asked how it felt to see Sophie emerge so strong after her cancer treatment and win silver at the National Karate Championships, no words could describe it!
“It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe, Ally, from watching your child fighting for their life in hospital, unable to move, hooked up to machines, to then seeing her not only competing but getting on the podium. I was a mess. I was in tears, and I was jumping for joy. I think I was as entertaining as the competitors.”
Redkite was there for our family during Sophie’s cancer battle, so I was proud to share our fundraising efforts for the SunUp Challenge.
“The SunUp Challenge is about getting out and exercising, doing some form of exercise every morning in September to help raise funds for families like ours who face childhood cancer. I can’t tell you how important Redkite is because a diagnosis of cancer for a child is like going through being thrust in a marathon that you didn’t expect and you certainly didn’t train for. Redkite is like your support crew to get you through that, to remind you that you can do this. They are such a vital service.
Our fun family interview concluded with Sophie demonstrating a tornado kick!
Sophie’s fundraiser achieved over $10,000. Looking back, we made the most of our time in lockdown. We ran many fun activities and exercises. We enjoyed the outdoors and exercised with our friends. We even painted and hid happy rocks on our adventures!
