On 16 November 2008, Matthew Pusey, a life time never smoker, passed away after a courageous 3 year battle with non small cell lung cancer...a battle that inspired every single person who had the pleasure of knowing him.

During these 3 years, Matthew became a passionate consumer advocate with a commitment to promoting lung cancer awareness and reducing the associated stigmatism that comes with the diagnosis.

In 2007 through his knowledge and his passionate support of other patients, Matthew became the face and voice of Lung Cancer Awareness Week in Australia.

Run For Life
One of Matthew's many friends Rhobelle Nicdao ran in the Run Melbourne half marathon on 28 June 2009 to help raise money for the Kylie Johnston Lung Cancer Network. In doing so, Rhobelle helps to continue Matthew's commitment to raising much needed funds and to remember and acknowledge Matthew's fighting spirit.

Press release - 16 July 2009

Rhobelle Nicdao successfully completed a half marathon run in the Run Melbourne event on Sunday 29 June 2009 and raised an astounding $3600 for The Kylie Johnston Lung Cancer Network.

Rhobelle and her fiancé Matthew were close friends of the late Matthew (Matt) Pusey who was a proactive lung cancer patient and advocate until his untimely death in November 2008. The couple wanted to do something in memory of Matt and decided to fundraise for patient carer support services for lung cancer patients, their carers and family members.

 

 

Rhobelle and Matthew established a fundraising page on the Everyday Hero website – www.everyhero.com.au and then rallied the support of friends, family and supporters via email, twitter and word of mouth.

“We tapped into our community of family and friends and work mates and we were amazed with the generous response we received”. Everyone's good wishes and support were truly encouraging”. Rhobelle said.

Funds raised from Rhobelle's run will help employ a lung nurse on The Australian Lung Foundation's 1800 number – to provide lung patients, carers and family members with medical advice and support.

If you have a fundraising idea and would like to raise some money for The Australian Lung Foundation, you can sign up as one of our everyday heroes by going to http://www.everydayhero.com.au/register_for_a_hero_page

For more information contact Kerrie Callaghan on 3251 3641 or email Kerrie@lungfoundation.com.au