The Volcom Kirra Teams Challenge has been sup-porting Hannah’s Chance Foundation for the past four years and surfers from all over are joining the fight against sarcoma cancer by not only supporting to increase the awareness, but also by supporting young sufferers.
Cabarita surfer Chippa Wilson is a great friend and supporter of young Jackson Hersee, who was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma early last year at the age of 16 years.
“Chippa has been an inspiration to Jackson,” said Steve Hersee, Jackson’s father.
“He has supported Jackson at functions, contacts him regularly to see how he is and also has always kept Jackson’s spirits up through all his treatment and surgery.”
The Hersee family from Pottsville have worked tire-lessly during the past few months, selling raffle tickets to raise money for Hannah’s Chance Foundation.
After their son Jackson was diagnosed with a sarcoma in his right leg, they learned first-hand the importance of awareness and medical research into this rare form of cancer.
At the weekend the Hersee family chose the Teams Challenge to draw the raffle – a Jones single fin handcrafted surfboard signed by champion surfers, Stephanie Gilmore, Mick Fanning, Mark Occhilupo, Chippa Wilson and Joel Parkinson.
The lucky ticket was won by a local surfer.
“We would like to thank the Hersee family and all the volunteers for all their efforts and support over this weekend at the Kirra Teams Challenge,” said Leigh Webb, Director of Hannah’s Chance Foundation.
“We rely on the support of volunteers and also funds they raise, as every dollar helps,” she said.
The foundation also had another line-up of fantastic raffle prizes at the surf event: a Formula Energy Surf-board, Wahu pack, Obsidian Skateboard and Aussie Fit Sport bottle and towel pack.
“We also would like to thank our sponsors who donate to us every year,” said Leigh Webb. “Without their support, we would not be able to raise funds at this event for sarcoma cancer,” she said.
Hannah’s Chance Found-ation, a not-for-profit organ-isation, raises funds towards medical research for sarcoma cancer, a rare form of tumorous cancer that affects mainly 12- 25-year-olds, but is not limited to them.
They also support families and sufferers through their treatment journey and increase awareness of sarcoma through attending events such as the Volcom Kirra Teams Challenge.
“We are looking forward to the next surf event that Hannah’s Chance Foundation has organised, the “Sarcoma Surf Tag Team Event” which is held in July every year,” says Angela Moore, Fundraising and Marketing officer for Hannah’s Chance Foundation.
Over 1000 spectators are expected to attend this annual surf event, including six board riding clubs from the Gold Coast, which will be held at Pacific SLSC again this year.
Since October 2007, Hannah’s Chance Foundation has been the passionate voice in the fight against sarcoma.
Sarcoma is a type of cancer that predominantly affects young people between the ages 12 and 25. There are various types of sarcomas,
all of which are very aggressive and almost 50 per cent of sufferers do not survive.
The establishment of Hannah’s Chance Foundation was the dream of Hannah Ciobo-O’Driscoll, daughter of Australian swimming great Tracey Wickham and Robert Ciobo, and Hannah’s husband Tom O’Driscoll. Hannah fought very bravely against the rare synovial sarcoma for three years until she lost her battle on October 2, 2007, aged 19. Tom suffered from Ewings sarcoma, but fortunately is now in remission.
