By Maddy Callander
10 years of the Beanie for Brain Cancer Round.
And nearly a decade since we lost my Dad, Matt Callander.
10 years is a lifetime. And for my three siblings, it’s literally been a lifetime without their Dad.
As we mark the 10th annual Beanie for Brain Cancer Round, I am reminded of the harsh reality that my sister Indiana (19) and two brothers, Digger (18) and Archie (16) have lived more of their lives without their Dad than they ever got to live with him.
Every day I feel guilty that, simply by being the eldest, I got ten more years with him than they did.
Dad never got to see Archie score his first try in footy, he never got to have a beer with Digger at the pub and Indy never had him sit beside her at graduation. Dad was only 46 years of age when he lost his battle to Brain Cancer in 2017. Indiana was 10, Digger 9 and Archie, 7.
Fast forward to today and they are all grown up. Indy is currently in her first year of nursing at Wollongong University, Digger has finished school and is now working in the building industry and Archie, whilst in Year 11 at Waverley College, is working at Dominos delivering pizzas.
It’s sad to think that my Dad is missing out on all of this… A decade of milestones which we have had to navigate without him. That’s the strangest part about grief, the world doesn’t stop, everything just keeps moving and all that you’re left with is the memories you had created.
That’s what this weekend is for my family and I… It’s my Dad’s legacy.
In 2016 when my Dad was diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma, he was given 12 months to live. We quickly learned there was no cure and we were shocked to find out how little funding Brain Cancer received.
During this time, Dad reached out to Mark Hughes with an idea to sell beanies at the footy. A weekend dedicated to raising awareness and vital funds for Brain Cancer research.
Having worked at Nine for 20 years, my Dad provided the vision and the media muscle whilst Mark Hughes provided the heart and the charity framework to bring this concept to life.
So with the support of the National Rugby League, the Beanie for Brain Cancer Round was born. Two incredible men coming together to create one game-changing campaign.
And look at us now… 10 years on and we’ve sold 1.3 million beanies and raised nearly 30 million dollars for Brain Cancer research… But we’re not done yet.
Brain Cancer kills more people under 40 than any other cancer and every 5 hours, one more person is diagnosed with this insidious disease.
Put simply, too many people are dying from Brain Cancer.
Earlier this month, former Australian of the Year, Richard Scholyer lost his battle. He was just 59 years old. A wife and three kids – all now tasked with living without him.
So what’s why we’re still here. That’s why the Beanie for Brain Cancer Round rolls on. That’s why we are asking you to buy another Mark Hughes Foundation beanie. Not just to keep your head warm but to join us in the fight against Brain Cancer.
My Dad’s goal was to find a cure and every year, this brings us one step closer.
Every dollar raised is funneled directly into Brain Cancer research as we develop better treatments, and provide crucial care for Brain Cancer patients.
The kids and I may not be able to share in this weekend with our Dad but this Round of Rugby League is the next best thing. For us, it’s another way we can remember our Dad and its continued success is a testament to the man he was.
So too, the legend that is Mark Hughes.
Mark’s recent Medal of the Order of Australia is a remarkable achievement and the perfect recognition for his outstanding service to the community. Mark still battles Brain Cancer every day and we are so grateful for his unwavering positivity.
Mark, I must thank you.
Thank you for tackling this disease head on.
Thank you for your ongoing strength and dedication.
Thank you for your tireless efforts to ensure the momentum of this Round.
Thank you for being a symbol of hope in our fight against Brain Cancer.
As the Mark Hughes Foundation continues to go from strength to strength, you and Kiralee should be so proud of what you have achieved and equally excited about what’s still to come.
Bring on Beanie Round #10.
