General News
7 April, 2022
Students support fundraiser
WHEN the Stephenson family lost their son Lachlan to a rare type of paediatric brain cancer on January 1 this year, they set up a fund raiser; Cure Brain Cancer for Stevo.
WHEN the Stephenson family lost their son Lachlan to a rare type of paediatric brain cancer on January 1 this year, they set up a fund raiser; Cure Brain Cancer for Stevo.
Not for themselves, it was not going to change their loss. But for others. For the future. To save families in the future from enduring their unimaginable pain.
They set a goal to raise $5000. They broke it in just one day. They re-set the goal to $20,000. That goal was reached within three days.
The fundraiser is now very close to breaking the next major milestone of raising $50,000. And after that, the sky’s the limit.
The funds raised go directly towardscuring brain cancer; one of the biggest killers in children.
It is a desperate situation for the Brain Cancer Centre founded by Carrie’s Beanies 4 Brain Cancer, as they work against the clock looking for a cure.
There have been no major advances in 60 years for treating the type of brainstem tumour which took Lachlan’s life and the foundation receives very little funding.
Lachlan’s mother Amy Stephenson said the support from the south west community has been overwhelming.
“We are so fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful communities, groups and clubs who have all been so amazing with contributions and their own fundraising plans,” he said.
“We know we can’t change our loss, but the legacy Lach left will live on and honour him…and it’s all been made possible by every single donation made.”
As a keen sportsman, Lachie loved nothing more than kicking the footy at Camperdown or bouncing a basketball with the Terang Tornadoes.
He attended Camperdown College in his primary school years, and Cobden Technical School for secondary.
“Last weekend at the home Camperdown v Terang Mortlake football match, the clubs honoured Lach and we raised more than $700 for the day…it just shows that together we can make a difference,” Mrs Stephenson said.
This Friday, the dedicated fundraisers will turn their attention to the Camperdown College community with a Sporting Fun Day full of activities, games, music and catered lunch at both the senior and junior campuses.
“Because Lach loved sport so much it is fitting to have a Sporting Fun Day held in his memory,” Mrs Stephenson said.
“It’s a wonderful initiative from the Camperdown College Junior School Council and the Student Representative Council to get all students and teachers across both the junior and senior campuses involved and we’re looking forward to it.
“I can’t imagine how it’s going to feel when I see the total funds raised hit that $50,000 mark…and we are so close.
“Every day we get a little bit closer. We are just so grateful to everyone that has made these goals a reality.”
Students are invited to wear their favourite sporting clothes and those who got their hands on the limited-edition KAM Industries T Shirts are encouraged to wear them proudly on the day.
Readers can donate directly to the cause via www.shoutforgood.com/fundraisers/curebraincancerforstevo.
