Emma Brown, the mother of 3rd-year student Annabel Brown, sadly passed away on the 2nd of August this year after her courageous five-year battle with ovarian cancer and dermatomyositis. In support of Annabel and to raise funds for ovarian cancer research, a group of 50 St John's College students will be running alongside Annabel in the Three Bridges Half Marathon on Sunday 22 October 2023.

Lara Ciesiolka with Annabel Brown preparing for the big race.

Post-training recovery: Eliza Laundy, Mia Musgrove, Lara Ciesiolka and Olivia Laundy.

According to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, one woman loses her life to ovarian cancer every 8 hours in Australia, underscoring the urgent necessity of increased funding for ovarian cancer early detection, treatment, prevention, and recurrence management.
  
The student-led initiative is a testament to the bonds of friendship, love and compassion within our community at St John’s College – where each and every individual is supported by our collegiate sense of strength, determination and courage.

St John’s College students Hugo Mangelsdorf and Eve Murphy supporting the cause with their friends.

This cause is also one of deep personal significance, as my own mother Anne is an ovarian cancer survivor. The memories of her being confronted with this terrible illness, the resolve she showed during her courageous battle with the disease, and her determination to live life to the fullest following her recovery inspire me daily.
 
I deeply commend Annabel, her family, and all our students led by Sara Harlock in supporting them in this most worthy cause: your courage and strength are an inspiration to us all.

Annabel aged 7 and her mother Emma.

I encourage all in our College Community to support this noble cause and to forward to friends and colleagues so that they may also consider donating. I kindly invite everyone to contribute to this important cause by donating any amount you can via this link. 

Annabel and her family deeply appreciate any donations provided as they work towards reaching and exceeding their fundraising goal of $50,000.

Your generosity may make a significant difference in preventing other families from enduring the pain that Annabel and her loved ones have experienced. 

Regards,

Dr Mark Schembri
Rector