Emily McIntosh

MY WHY

This is our 4th year participating in Surfebruary. It feels like, everyone knows someone who is battling cancer. In the last two years particularly, I have had a number of close family and chosen family members who have or are fighting that fight. Chris O'Brien Lifehouse offers us hope. The money raised here is used for life changing research that I am so grateful for. Chris O'Brien Lifehouse is changing the lives of so many, so we are doing this for all our loved ones who we have watched battle cancer, fighting for their lives. 

Our personal experiences with Lifehouse have been nothing short of exceptional. In December 2022, my Dad was diagnosed with a very rare cancer & was fortunate enough to receive his treatment at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse. After thinking he had kicked the cancer to the kerb, in September 2023, we received the news that the cancer was back and had spread to his brain. He was given a terminal diagnosis and weeks - months to live. Thanks to the amazing team at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, my Dad is still here with us, enjoying every second he is gifted. We can't thank Lifehouse enough for all they have given him and us. 

So - each day in February I'm hitting the water for SurFebruary and raising funds for cancer research at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse. 

The reality is that one in two of us will be affected by cancer in our lifetime. That’s a pretty big statistic. The good news is that we can make a tangible impact on how we treat cancer by contributing to innovative cancer research that benefits us all.

It only takes a minute to donate and anything you can give (no matter how big or small) will go a long way to helping people with cancer and their families.

Thank you, I really appreciate your support.

See you in the water!