Beanies for Brain Cancer- Casseroles + Campovens Campfire was organised by the family of the late Geoff Williams of Tullamore, who passed away in July 2015 after a 14 month battle with Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive form of brain cancer.  

Geoff and his wife Judy, both born and raised Tullamore locals, have been the business owners and operators of Tullamore Rural Trading for 40 years. 

Geoff’s loss has been deeply felt by the local community due largely to his beautiful, help anyone, jovial nature. 

Both Geoff and Judy have always been great supporters and enjoy being part of the small community. 

In April 2014, Geoff experienced a sudden onset of slurred speech and facial droop (stroke-like symptoms) and quickly sought medical assistance at Accident and Emergency.

He was then sent to Dubbo Base for further assessment. 

CT scans revealed something a little more worrying and after surgery for tumour removal at Royal North Shore Hospital, the family was dealt the devastating diagnosis of GBM.  

Tullamore had only just lost a 39 year old community member with the same diagnosis, so the family, although always hopeful, knew a battle, and ultimately a grim outcome, was ahead. 

Geoff received radiation therapy and later participated in a second weekly treatment trial in Sydney.  

But despite the treatment and numerous surgeries to remove the invasive tumours, like so many before him, the battle was lost. 

It is a devastating experience to witness a once able bodied man, husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather and mate suffer the heartbreaking effects of brain cancer and also the effects associated with its treatments over such a short period.  

Judy, their son Mathew, and daughter Juanita, and their families thought it was a fitting time to organise the campfire event to celebrate Geoff’s birthday and in his loving memory, to raise funds for the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation and raise awareness of the disease. 

“Geoff always enjoyed a good hearty casserole or camp oven and also the friendly yarns that are to be had around a campfire,” Emma Williams  (Geoff’s daughter-in-law) said.

“With only a fortnight of planning, we aimed to achieve a fundraising target of $5000,” she added.

“The event commenced with the lighting of a communal campfire for the cooking of camp oven fare and casseroles to share for a late lunch on the grounds of the Tullamore Bowling Club. 

“Guests paid for their meals and also a gold coin donation for afternoon tea, which was also kindly donated by local home chefs. 

“We had numerous 100 clubs, a wood raffle and numerous donated items and vouchers  from local families and local reps which allowed us to hold another raffle and auction on the day.”

An online sponsor page was also set up through the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation website for those wishing to donate to the cause.

“I would like to make known how proud I am of our small yet generous community of Tullamore,” Emma said.

“Even in times of hardship, ongoing financial commitments and the uncertainty of forthcoming rains, our community despite our numbers, can come together and achieve some amazing results. 

“The Williams family is very grateful for family, friends and visitors who were able to attend the day and /or contribute in any way, shape or form by supporting our event. 

“The great attendance was no doubt a reflection of the legacy Geoff left within the community of Tullamore.

“I am excited to announce that in conjunction with the online sponsor page for the event, we have raised just in excess of $12000!

“Again we are just so thrilled to be able to forward such substantial funds to the foundation so they can continue their search to find answers to assist those with brain cancer and loved ones caring for someone with this debilitating disease. 

“We are so hopeful that further advancements in treatment of brain cancer will soon be uncovered with continued research and ultimately a cure in the not too distant future.”

If you would like to make a donation the page is still available for online donations using the following link: http://www.curebraincancer.org.au/my-fundraising/9958/beanies-for-brain-cancer-casseroles-campovens-campfire 

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Did you know only two out of 10 people diagnosed with brain cancer will survive at least five years?

Brain cancer kills more people under 40 than any other cancer and kills more Australian children than any other disease.

Brain cancer survival rates have hardly changed in 30 years and receive minimal federal research funding. 

Cure Brain Cancer Foundation www.curebrain cancer.org.au

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Cure Brain Cancer is the peak organisation for brain cancer research, advocacy and awareness in Australia, with a time-critical mission to increase five-year survival from the current 20% to 50% by 2023. 

With a strong patient focus we forge global collaborations, fund innovative research and are bringing world-class clinical trials to Australia to give children and adults with brain cancer access to new treatments faster. 

See more at: http://www.curebraincancer.org.au/page/27/about-us#sthash.UMuvPDwN.dpufI

If you would like to find out more information:

www.curebraincancer.org.au

www.carriesbeanies4braincancer.com

Photos by Bec Cheney