Running for Anna
17 October 2023
On Sunday 15 October 2023, 1400 Peter Mac Champions hit the streets in the 2023 Melbourne Marathon.
Amongst the participants was Sian Lennox, who ran for her partner, Anna - a current patient at Peter Mac.
Life took an unexpected turn for Anna and her family in May this year when she was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer.
Anna pictured at Peter Mac
“For all of us who know and love Anna, this journey has been a big wakeup call", says Sian.
“It has reminded us that life is unpredictable and that family and friendship are what matter most."
At the time of her diagnosis, Anna, 29, was gearing up to run her first full marathon. Now, her world revolves around chemo sessions.
“So far it's been a journey like no other, but Anna has shown strength beyond what I could have ever imagined”, says Sian.
“To say I am in awe of her doesn't even come close to how I, and everyone around her feels.”
Anna with friends
Inspired by Anna’s resilience and determination, Sian rallied a team of family and friends to take on an endurance challenge of their own.
Team Lennox + Bowden + Jenkins comprised of Sian, Anna’s sister Eleanor, brother-in-law Josh, and Sian's siblings whose lives have also been touched by cancer. Together they stepped up to the challenge to run the Melbourne Half Marathon to raise funds for life-saving cancer research at Peter Mac.
“While Anna's diagnosis was extremely unlucky, we often reflect on how profoundly fortunate we are that she has access to some of the best care in the world”, Sian says.
“We are running and raising funds for Peter Mac research as a gesture of support for Anna, and a proactive way to contribute to the fight against cancer.”
Marathon day: Anna pictured with Sian and team Lennox + Bowden + Jenkins
Sian and the team have already raised $17,000 and are humbled by the support they’ve received from the community so far.
“We never imagined surpassing our original target of $2,000, and we are now hoping to hit $20,000!” says Sian.
"In sharing Anna’s story, we hope to show others how close to home cancer can strike at any age, and how essential it is to support research and treatment efforts."
