to my dear friends and family,

you all know that two of my passions in life is running and my work.  i have worked as a paediatric oncology nurse for the past 14 years.  whilst many children survive their treatment we still see some children losing thier battle with cancer.  one such child who especially touched me was Tess Turnbull.  Tess was a beautiful little girl diagnosed with Neuroblastoma in October 2010 and unfortunately passed away in May 2011.  Neuroblastoma is a rare, yet very aggressive disease.  it is very difficult to treat with no known cure.  Your donated money will go towards Neuroblastoma research at the Sydney Children's Hospital, and will go towards hopefully finding better treatment or a cure for this terrible illness.  One cannot put into words how devastating a diagnosis of cancer is for a family and then for a family to lose thier child.  i have watched this happen on many occasions, and i am still lost for words to share how hard this is for the families and the loved ones around them.

The spirit of Tess Turnbull inspired me so much in the little time that i knew her.  Her determination in someone so young really is so admirable.  I remember running the sydney half marathon last May (the day after Tess had passed away), and what got me running up the hills was thinking if Tess can endure the pain and suffering of her Neuroblastoma then i can get up this hill!!

I feel blessed to have met Tess, and her family Jo, Mick, Harry and the much loved "bugger" (Jennifer), and it really is an honor to be running for Team Tess in this year's 1/2 marathon. Your support will be very much appreciated, whether you donate funds to a cause that is very close to my heart or if you see me on the finish line at the Opera House

Thank you for your support and helping to make a difference!

with love, Kirsten