For Elizabeth de Somer, CEO of Medicines Australia (MA), the Kosi Challenge highlights “the reason we do what we do – to bring new medicines to patients as soon as possible.”

“Getting to meet so many patients and families at the event is so special,” Elizabeth shared.

“I still remember the first time Richard asked me to make a speech at Kosi. It was after we had heard from some of the patients Rare Cancers Australia (RCA) supports. I was very emotional. There is no escaping just how important their stories and voices are in the work that we do.”

This year will see Elizabeth take on the Kosi Challenge for the 6th time with her husband and for the 3rd time, MA will sponsor the Kosi Challenge Awards Ceremony following the climb.

“After many years of our staff and members participating in the event, it was a natural evolution for us to sponsor the Awards,” Elizabeth told.

“I love this industry. They do incredible work which is amplified by partnering with patients and groups like RCA – and Kosi is an example of the power in this collaboration, so we are proud to support it.”

The Kosi Challenge Awards Ceremony occurs each year after the climb as a way to celebrate those involved in the iconic event. Awards like the Kosi Cup, Pharma Cup, Corporate Cup and highest individual fundraisers are presented thanks to the generosity of MA. The gathering is always well attended and provides participants with the opportunity to get to know each other in a fun and friendly environment.

This year, the largest MA staff team will be amongst those celebrating.

“We have 18 amazing team members – made up of MA staff and their family – who are looking forward to reaching the summit this year, half of them first-timers,” Elizabeth said.

“We’ve all been training in our own ways. I’ve been riding my bike, we have a marathon runner in our midst, and many have been going on walks around the lake. It’s a cause that means a lot to us as many of our staff and members have sadly lost loved ones to cancer, and some have had their own diagnosis.

“That’s why we climb and we hope that this year’s Kosi Challenge raises even more funds and awareness for Australians impacted by rare, less common and complex cancers.”

Meet some of the MA team

Anne-Maree Englund:

"It’s great because everyone from industry gets to meet each other’s families and socialise in a beautiful setting. I also love watching how the pharma companies compete on fundraising to win the cup!

Brent Weston: It’s good for my health and a good team bonding experience. Excited to see if we can beat our team fundraising effort from last year."

Chrysti Moran:

"The RCA team do incredible work for people who are going through the most difficult time of their life. It feels great to help such an important cause (although my legs don’t feel so great afterwards…)"

Emily Skillin:

"I am looking forward to a beautiful bushwalk up Australia’s biggest peak. I’m excited to have such a big MA team (including family and friends) joining us this year. Last year I was very moved by the stories about how access to cutting edge medical care (including access to medicines) can impact the lives of rare cancer patients and their families. I’m looking forward to the awards ceremony again this year."

Eric Johnsson:

"I’m excited about seeing our wonderful community taking on and overcoming a challenge for a worthwhile cause."

Petrina Keogh:

"It’s great to contribute back to a cause that helped me during my darkest moments when I was diagnosed."

Tony Marks:

"Excited by the Team Spirit and raising money for good cause."