BVN Architects raise funds for sarcoma research

BVN's morning tea

BVN, where Laura worked as an architect, has continued their support of Stop Sarcoma this year, in memory of their friend and colleague.

The company recently held a morning tea to raise funds for Stop Sarcoma and the Cancer Council. Laura’s friend and work colleague, Heather, organised the day and said a few words in memory of Laura. A yellow ribbon was designed and printed in 3D and everyone present wore the yellow ribbon to show their support for Laura and the need for research into Sarcoma. BVN’s offices in Sydney, Brisbane and Hong Kong all contributed to funds raised. 

In addition to the above, BVN has also been auctioning some unwanted furniture and decided to donate the proceeds to charity. The funds, from the Sydney office, have been donated to the Australasian Sarcoma Study Group in memory of Laura.

With BVN's contributions to fundraising efforts, Stop Sarcoma has now broken the $30,000 mark for money raised to go towards sarcoma research, reaching a total of over $32,000. 

Thanks to everyone at BVN who has contributed - your efforts are very much appreciated.

If you'd like to read more about how to help with fundraising efforts, click here. 

Funds raised for Stop Sarcoma: An update

Many of Laura’s friends and family have remembered Laura during the year by raising money for the Australasian Sarcoma Study Group. We'd like to make some special shout-outs to a few below to thank them for their efforts:

- The McPaul/Nicholls families and Laura’s friends from Orange, who got together and raised $440.00 for Sarcoma research.

- Laura’s good friend Rebecca and a school friend from London, Clementine, who both made generous donations in Laura’s memory

- Laura’s great aunt and uncle, Clare & Gerard, always remembered Laura on her birthday and continued to do so this year with a donation in Laura’s memory. Laura’s family also continue to donate to ASSG each Christmas and on Laura’s birthday.

- A neighbour of Laura’s, Craig Thompson, generously chose the Australasian Sarcoma Study Group as his charity of choice when he attended a charity night recently.  Through Craig’s efforts, a work colleague of his also donated to Laura’s Stop Sarcoma.

With Amy Cohen’s recent donation for Dry July we have now raised a total of $29,736.00 for Sarcoma research.

Thank you to everyone who has made generous donations. To donate or find out more about raising money, please click here.

Amy Cohen raises over $1500 for Stop Sarcoma

This month's shout-out goes to Amy Cohen, who has raised over $1500 for sarcoma research.

Amy and Laura became friends when they were just 4 years old. It was no surprise that this year, Amy remembered Laura by taking part in Dry July. Amy not only gave up alcohol, but to make it an even greater challenge, she gave up sugar as well. Despite temptation all around her, she survived the month and celebrated with a glass of wine and a small can of Fanta Jellies.

Amy writes: "Thank you to everyone who helped me reach almost 1.5 times my original fundraising target for Stop Sarcoma - you're legends, each and every one of you! (Donations are still open if you want to join them) Stoked with this result - every little bit counts towards research into this devastating illness that took my friend too early. #stopsarcoma"

You can donate to Amy's Everyday Hero page by clicking here.

Jeffrey Sayle donates $500 to Stop Sarcoma

Mike Whitney & Jeffrey Sayle

Stop Sarcoma has received a further donation through the joint efforts of Randwick Petersham Cricket Club and Randwick Rugby Club.

Following on from the cricket and rugby matches held between the two clubs in March 2017, Randwick Rugby patron and legend Jeffrey Sayle has generously donated $500.00 to Stop Sarcoma.

Jeffrey knows how important it is to raise funds for cancer research, having lost his wife Lorraine 10 years ago to cancer. Jeffrey dedicates this gift to the memory of Lorraine. 

With Jeffrey's donation, Stop Sarcoma has now raised $24,351 for sarcoma research. We extend our sincere thanks to Jeffrey and everyone who has donated to help us reach this number.

Randwick Petersham Cricket Club raises over $600 for Stop Sarcoma

Randwick Petersham Cricket Club has continued its support of Stop Sarcoma at two events held this year at Coogee Oval.
 
On 15 January 2017, the Club held its annual Metro Cup Derby between the Clubs Gold and Green teams. Denis Hinds acted as the umpire for the match. The day was dedicated to Laura and to raise funds for Stop Sarcoma.
 
On 5 March 2017, a special cricket match took place between a Randwick Petersham Cricket Club XI and a Randwick Rugby Club side in a Twenty20 match. Mike Whitney was the umpire. The Clubs also played a short touch rugby game. Funds were raised for Stop Sarcoma and the Ricky Ponting Foundation.

Over $600.00 for the Australasian Sarcoma Study Group was raised at these events.
 
Stop Sarcoma is now the main charity supported by Randwick Petersham Cricket Club. We again thank Jeremy Jastrzab and John Stewart from the Club for their continued support and hard work. Not only are they raising much needed funds for research but they are educating many Club members and their families about Sarcoma.

Both matches were covered by the Southern Courier newspaper (click here and here to read the articles) and mentioned on the websites of the Clubs. This coverage is so important for Stop Sarcoma as more people are being educated about this rare type of cancer which mainly affects younger people.

Jeremy Jastrzab (left) and John Stewart (right)

ADELE AUCTION: Raising money for Stop Sarcoma

UPDATE: This auction is now closed. Through the generosity of Laura’s BVN work colleague, Debbie, we have raised $550.00 for sarcoma research! We also thank all those who took the time to bid for the tickets, especially our highest bidder Grazyna. We hope she enjoys Adele’s concert.

Earlier post: Here is your opportunity to purchase two tickets to the much-anticipated, sold-out Adele Sydney concert while also raising money for Stop Sarcoma and our beloved Laura.

Details on the auction are below. Email all bids to paulahomersham@gmail.com by midday, Wednesday 8th March.

Please bid generously as all proceeds will go to the Australasian Sarcoma Study Group.

Paying tribute to Laura on her birthday

With a combination of love, joy and sadness, many of Laura’s friends gathered for dinner at Laura’s family home in Sydney to celebrate Laura’s 26th birthday on 9 January 2017. Everyone raised a glass of Laura’s favourite drink, Fanta, as they all paid tribute to their beautiful friend.

A Fanta toast to Laura on her birthday

Laura’s friend, Kate, told the story of how she first became aware of Laura’s love of Fanta, a drink which is generally considered suitable for children and not the drink of choice of a young university student! Architecture students are known to work day and night on designs and assignments, and after a particularly long night, some of the students went to McDonalds. Laura, never having been one to worry about peer pressure, confidently ordered a happy meal with chicken nuggets and a Fanta. Laura was completely unfazed by the laughter of her friends who apparently hadn’t placed that particular order themselves since they were about 6 years old.
 
The Fanta shared by family and friends on Laura’s birthday was a reminder of Laura’s completely unique and delightful personality and the fun she had and shared with us all.

A mountaintop champagne toast to Laura

On the other side of the world, Laura's childhood friend Natalia made a toast to her lifelong friend from the top of a mountain. Natalia lives in Big White Ski Resort in British Columbia, Canada, and hiked to a secret scenic area called "The Knoll" to share champagne with friends.

Natalia explained that she felt incredibly close to Laura on the morning of her birthday: "I woke up and it was so hideously cloudy in the mountain village, where I live. I was so upset as I knew it wouldn't be a good day to do the mountain hike that we'd planned. But then I checked the mountain webcams and it was beautifully clear up top - the cloud layer was only hovering around the Village! This very rarely happens and just felt like the most perfect sign to go and celebrate Laura's birthday on top of the mountain."

Natalia and her friends had a picnic with their champagne and talked about the memories of those they had loved and lost, while a candle burned on top of the snow in a tribute to Laura.

Natalia with her tribute candle to Laura on the top of the mountain

Thank you to everyone who took some time on the 9th January to share a birthday wish with Laura. We know that everyone missed her and continues to love her, and we hope that they will continue to do so for many years to come.

- The Stop Sarcoma team

Graham Earp raises $1500 for Sarcoma research

Graham with Laura at a trivia night in 2011.

As we move into the month of January, Laura's birthday month, we are extending our gratitude to the people in Laura's life who are making an effort to fundraise and spread the word about Sarcoma.

Laura’s friend Graham Earp, also known as Mr Trivia, has continued his fundraising efforts for Laura. Graham originally helped Laura raise funds at a morning tea that she held in 2015 and has continued his love and support of her by holding raffles at four trivia nights leading up to Christmas 2016.

Graham also distributed brochures to all attending, not only educating people about Sarcoma but also providing details of the Australasian Sarcoma Study Group and how to continue to donate for much-needed research.

We would also like to acknowledge the support provided by each of the venues – Massey Park Golf Club, Petersham Bowling Club, Club Ashfield and Summer Hill Hotel. Without their support, we would not have been able to raise these funds and educate people about Sarcoma.
 
The funds raised through Graham’s efforts were:
Massey Park Golf Club          $300.00
Club Ashfield                           $245.00
Petersham Bowling Club     $180.00
Summer Hill Hotel                 $160.00                            

In addition to the amounts raised at each venue, Graham generously added his personal donation of $615.00, making the total donation $1,500.00. We thank him and his supporters at trivia who gave generously.
 
The support and co-operation of each venue and Graham’s efforts mean that we start our fundraising for 2017 with a great donation of $1,500.00, all of which will go towards sarcoma research.

Graham with the winner and our friend John at Club Ashfield.

The Massey Park Golf Club Winner.

Winners at Summer Hill Hotel.

Graham with the winner and our friend Dianne at Petersham Bowling Club.

From 2016 to 2017: Our plans for remembering Laura

Laura with Jemma in 2012

Moving from 2016 to 2017 has been a very difficult time for all of us who love Laura so much.

Many people in the media have commented that they couldn’t wait to see the end of 2016 as so many high profile celebrities passed away during the year.

Now that 2016 has gone, however, it has been really difficult to get our thoughts around the notion that the year when we laughed, chatted, celebrated and generally just loved being with Laura has gone. We also have to face Laura’s birthday on 9 January.

Our plan to get through January is to make it a month of celebration of Laura’s incredible life and at the same time use it to raise awareness of Sarcoma and to raise funds for research. This was Laura’s goal and we will continue her plans in her memory.

Laura was a very kind, talented and intelligent young woman. She made her family nothing but proud of everything she did and the way she lived her life every single day. She achieved so much in such a short time. No matter what was thrown at Laura she faced it head on and with sheer determination.

Not many of us have, or ever will, meet anyone with so much strength. She was determined not to let her diagnosis and treatment stop her from doing anything. She never deferred her university studies and completed her Masters degree while in treatment. Some of her most rewarding moments were spent working as an architect, which was her plan from the time she did work experience in an architecture firm in Year 10, and nothing was going to stop her.  At Laura’s memorial service there was a video clip of her dancing at the end of a long day at work day in August 2016 with her close friend and work colleague, Felix. She was her usual joyous self and was making the most of every moment and every opportunity that came her way.

Laura was always there for everybody else no matter what she was going through. Her friends have commented that she was always there for them – giving genuine advice and criticism about their life choices when deserved! Even as a young child, Laura respected and looked after people and made them feel wanted and safe. She continued doing that for people all her life. She looked after her family and friends and she made each and every one of us better people for having known her. Her effect on people will stay with all who had the privilege of knowing her for the whole of their lives.

If you'd like to host a fundraiser in honour of Laura's birthday in January, we suggest incorporating the colour yellow in some way, whether it be through clothing, decorations or food.

Laura's favourite method of fundraising was through morning teas, afternoon teas or picnics - a place to informally gather friends and family, share treats and cups of tea, all while raising awareness and money for the ASSG.

The Australasian Sarcoma Study Group will send donation envelopes to anyone who wishes to hold a fundraiser - you can find contact details here.

Stop Sarcoma raises over $20,000 for sarcoma research

Laura and her close friend Heather

In a year that has been incredibly difficult, we are happy to make one exciting announcement: Stop Sarcoma has reached our goal of raising $20,000 for sarcoma research by the end of the year.

Our thanks go out to every single person that has donated along the way, with special gratitude to Laura’s close and dear friends, Heather & Kate, who generously donated to the Australasian Sarcoma Study Group this Christmas - bringing us to a total of $20,150.

Heather decided to use the money she would otherwise have spent on Christmas gifts for family and friends to donate to research into Sarcoma in memory of her beautiful friend, Laura. Heather posted on Facebook that she was donating “In loving memory of Laura, who never stopped smiling”.

Our thanks also go to Heather’s family and friends for being so understanding and generous in supporting Heather’s efforts. We know that both Kate and Heather missed Laura, as we all did, this Christmas. It brings us some comfort to know that Laura would be thrilled with reaching this fundraising goal.

Laura's birthday is coming up on the 9th January. If you would like to hold an event in her memory, any efforts would be very much appreciate. Click here to learn more about how to help.

Randwick Petersham Cricket Club raises money for Stop Sarcoma

This week, we are sending thanks to the Randwick Petersham Cricket Club for their efforts in raising funds for Sarcoma Research in memory of our beloved Laura.

The Club held their annual Ladies and Legends Day at Coogee Oval on 30 October 2016, dedicating this year's event to Laura and Stop Sarcoma. As well as raising cash donations, there was a raffle drawn by Laura's father, Denis, as the representative of Stop Sarcoma.

The champagne flowed, the BBQ sizzled and the entire day raised around $500, with all funds going to the Australasian Sarcoma Study Group.

The Randwick Petersham Cricket Club encourages their members to continue their support throughout the cricket season and increase their donations to the #STOPSARCOMA cause, continuing to support the Randy Petes family - Denis Hinds and Paula Homersham - as they continue the work of their beloved Laura to build awareness and fund research into Sarcoma.

We thank the Cricket Club for their support. We particularly thank Laura’s friends Jeremy Jastrzab and John Stewart for their time and effort in arranging for the day to be dedicated to Laura and in continuing her efforts to raise funds for Sarcoma research.

How to donate

The Australasian Sarcoma Study Group is one of the only organizations working to find a cure for Sarcoma. Please make a donation to support their work.

Donations can be made to account:
Westpac Bank BSB 732-003 – Account No 54-2853

Please give your name as the reference number and then email paula@cechapman.com.au so that a receipt can be issued.

Please remember “like” Laura’s Stop Sarcoma Facebook page here.

Heather's Steps for Sarcoma

Pyrmont Bridge along on the Seven Bridges walk.

Laura's close friend, Heather McCabe, did the Seven Bridges walk on Sunday, October 30, under her team name "Heather’s Steps for Sarcoma" – supporting efforts to stop Sarcoma.

Heather covered seven bridges and 27 kms in seven hours, walking with her sister, Tara. Her goal was to raise $1,000 – so far she has raised $1,200 for the Cancer Council.

"This is in honour of my beautiful friend Laura, who never stopped smiling," said Heather, who worked together with Laura as architects. "I want to continue her work in raising awareness of Sarcoma in order that we may someday find a cure for this devastating illness."

It's not too late to donate - please give what you can by visiting her page at everydayhero and sharing with friends and family.

Oz Tots dedicate concert to the memory of Laura Hinds

On 23 October 2016 the Oz Tots Dance School, Randwick held its end of year concert. This year the school’s principal, Marcia Lindoorn, dedicated the concert to the memory of Laura Hinds and raised funds in support of sarcoma research.

Laura started dance class as a 3 year old Tiny Tot at the Dance Spot Randwick, which was then operated by Marcia. Laura continued dance class until she completed school at 18 years of age, studying jazz, tap, ballet and musical theatre and becoming a member of eisteddfod groups that competed successfully in many competitions. As a teenager Laura became an assistant dance teacher at the Dance Spot and at Oz Tots, roles that she adored.

Laura loved to dance and often said that her time at the Dance Spot provided her with the very best memories and the closest friendships.

At the concert there were posters around the auditorium of Laura as a three year old in her very first dance costume. At the conclusion of the concert Marcia spoke about Laura’s love of dance and asked for support in raising funds for sarcoma research. There was a beautiful photo of Laura as an adult with the words “Always an Oz Tot” underneath. It was a great day and a marvellous tribute to Laura.

We thank Marcia and all at Oz Tots for their support.

What does the yellow ribbon mean to you?

By this point, most people are familiar with the symbol of the pink ribbon and what it represents. But not many people are acquainted with the yellow ribbon – and its significance in the month of July.

The yellow ribbon brings awareness to sarcoma, which is a rare cancer that affects about 1% of the Australian population. July is sarcoma awareness month – a time where you might see the yellow ribbon popping up in an effort to bring awareness of sarcoma to the average person.

Unfortunately, most people have never heard of this devastating cancer that can arise in fat, muscle, cartilage and bone. Most people don’t know that sarcomas affect a younger population than most cancers. Most also don’t realise that treatment can be very invasive - drastic measures, such as the amputation of limbs, are sometimes seen as the only solution. 

Most people certainly don’t know that there are 70 different types of sarcoma, but due to lack of funding and research, all the types are treated in the same way – despite the types being very different and likely requiring different treatment.

According to the Australasian Sarcoma Study Group, research has found a “highly, statistically significant correlation between conducting research and survival” – meaning that an increase in clinical research of sarcoma leads to increased survival for sarcoma patients.

That’s why the yellow ribbon and the month of July are so important. Every bit of awareness and fundraising contributes directly to the research of sarcoma, and the potential of finding treatments for each type of sarcoma.

We highly encourage any fundraising efforts to donate to the Australasian Sarcoma Study Group, one of the only organisations currently working to help reduce the impact of sarcoma in the community. 100% of donations to the group go directly to sarcoma research.

You can support the ASSG through cheque or direct deposit – details are on their website here: http://www.australiansarcomagroup.org/support-sarcoma-research.html