Go Grey in May

Go Grey in May and Support a worthy cause

This month is Go Grey in May, a program established by the RCD Foundation to raise awareness of, and funding for, paediatric brain tumours sufferers. The Foundation was established as a tribute to Robert Connor Dawes, who, in 2013, lost his battle with brain cancer. The Foundation is committed to ending brain cancer whilst supporting patients suffering from this debilitating disease. Being the most fatal of all childhood cancers, 80% of children diagnosed with high grade brain tumours still lose their battle within five years, and clinical treatment currently leaves around 90% of survivors with lifelong physical and mental impairments. To date, funds raised have been used to support for young patients, including music therapy and yoga therapy, both which were both used to support Connor throughout his treatment. 

This Thursday the Shelford Community Service Group has organised a range of fun games and activities for the whole school to be involved in during lunch – to raise both awareness and funds for the Foundation. Whilst it is a casual day, we ask students to wear as much grey as possible. We will hold a dance party, chalk drawing competitions and board games. For those students who enjoy cooking, a brainy meal competition will be run throughout the week. Students can find the details for this on Shelly.

RCD representatives will be holding a Connors run sign-up station for those who would like to join the Shelford team. For $45 you will receive a ticket, t-shirt and entry to the run after-party. You can buy RCD merchandise to support the cause. RCD will be accepting debit cards or cash on Thursday.

A little bit about Connor’s Run from Aimee C, Year 12:

‘Connor's Run is a huge local event that involves a 9.8km run stretching from St Kilda beach to the city, or a longer 18.6km run that starts in Hampton. The full run was actually the route that Connor ran when training for Rowing prior to falling ill. It is so much fun – along the way there is music, water stations, cheer squads, little brain teasers and quizzes to keep you thinking and lots of encouragement from volunteers. At the finish line there’s a party on the Yarra with a range of events including yoga, massages, games, food, music and plenty more.

I myself have done the run for several years now and have always loved it – I honestly forgot I was even tired from running thanks to the entertainment and cheering along the way. Whilst it is such an enjoyable event, it is helping fund a very important charity, I really encourage as many of you to sign up as possible as it is always more fun with friends or family. If you aren’t a runner, you can walk or there are plenty of volunteer opportunities available such as being on the hydration stations and cheering on runners! You can sign up to Connor’s Run on Thursday at lunch time on our Go Grey in May day!’

Simone Lewis

Service Learning Coordinator