Madeline Townsend

I am fundraising for those who miss out

The Kosi Challenge is an annual event hosted by Rare Cancers Australia (RCA) to raise awareness and much needed funds for Australians diagnosed with a rare, less common or complex cancer each year.

In March 2025, I will be challenging myself to walk or run to help RCA. In 2020 I found out personally how hard the cancer journey is for someone with a rare or less common cancer. Because my cancer was rare, I was diagnosed later, had significant out of pocket costs with my diagnosis and treatment, and missed out on support offered to those with more common cancers. I was lucky with my journey, but others are not as lucky as me. I have been participating in the Kosi Challenge for 5 years. Initially it was to prove to myself that I could overcome a rare cancer diagnosis, but I continue to participate to raise awareness for others like me. I want to see equal outcomes for everyone, regardless of the cancer rarity or complexity.

One hundred per cent of funds raised through the Kosi Challenge goes towards the important work of RCA's Patient Support Team.

From helping patients to access specialists and treatments, through to delivering support groups, connecting people with services and providing financial assistance particularly in times of crisis, Patient Support is at the heart of what RCA does.

RCA is a Federal Government-classified Health Promotion Charity. All donations over AU $2 are fully tax deductible.

Thank you so much for your support.