Laura - Two Oceans for Rainbows 2019
- By: Laura Harvey
- Short URL: https://archive.backabuddy.co.za/laura-omtom-rainbows-2019
- Date Created: 9 April 2020
Personal message
On 29 August 2018 we got the devastating news that our precious 4 year old, Jack, had a brain tumour.
It was a situation we couldn't even comprehend. He had brain surgery one week later and the tumour was removed. At this stage, due to the diagnosis of the tumour, we are on a "watch and wait" treatment approach as his last MRI showed positive results.
A friend of mine gave Bonnie from Rainbows and Smiles my number. In all honestly, at first I was scared to make contact, as the realisation that we were now 'one of those' families had hit me hard. But when I did, I wish I'd contacted her sooner. We spoke for hours and she just let me speak about Jack's story. She understood. She provided comfort. She motivated me. She told me all about Rainbows and Smiles and all the other families who had the same or even worse struggles.
At that point I had no idea how many people were affected by this disease or condition. We were one of the lucky families in so many ways. Jack had one of the more 'favourable' tumours and things could be way worse for us.
Also, we had the financial means and contacts to do what needed to be done for Jack medically. Despite this, Bonnie still offered to help with anything she could, which I thought was amazing. Being part of this community, I can now really see the lives that are affected and the suffering that happens, and the pain that rips through these families. But I see the work that Rainbows and Smiles do to try and alleviate the pain, the loss, the financial struggles and whatever else they can do which I think is unbelievable.
Our lives have forever changed because of what happened to us... I am part of this... we ARE 'one of those' families and I therefore feel like its my duty to help where I can. I am not a runner, but have ALWAYS wanted to run the Half Two Oceans Marathon. I decided after my experiences this year that I will run... even if I finish last, or I walk all the way... I am going to run for Jack, my best friend Cherry (who was also diagnosed with a brain tumour in June 2018) and for Rainbows and Smiles (the voice and advocate for all the children suffering from childhood cancer).
This experience has changed my life and this is the only way I know how to do something, to give back and to help an organisation of a community that I am now a part of.
Donations
- Apr 20, 2019 - R 400.00 Fees covered
- "Way to go Lauz, you’ve got this ????" - Ren
- Apr 19, 2019 - USD $ 15.03 Fees covered
- "Love you guys and with you every step of the way!!" - Nick, Linda, Aidan & Owen Collins
- Apr 19, 2019 - R 200.00 Fees covered
- "Worthy cause - run for Jack - go Laura go ! " - Gail & Gee
- Apr 19, 2019 - R 500.00
- "Strong legs Laws! Proud of you! Xxx" - Patty
- Apr 19, 2019 - R 200.00 Fees covered
- "Good luck for the run Lawz! ????????" - Amy
- Apr 18, 2019 - R 300.00 Fees covered
- "You’ve worked so hard for this Laws, well done! Love you Jack!" - The Steyns
- Apr 16, 2019 - R 1 000.00
- "You are gonna smash it my special friend! I am so proud of you and I know Jack feels so lucky to have you as his mommy! Love xoxo" - Sarah Ritchie
- Apr 08, 2019 - R 500.00 Fees covered
- "You have shown such bravery and courage. Jack is a champion already and your run will show him how much support and love he has around him. I am with you all the way my friend. Marisa Bonanno" - Marisa Bonanno
- Apr 06, 2019 - USD $ 37.31 Fees covered
- "What a worthy cause ... I hope the run is a wonderful experience. " - Stuart and Amy Harrison
- Apr 06, 2019 - R 500.00 Fees covered
- "Inspiration xxx" - Lester
- Apr 06, 2019 - R 500.00 Fees covered
- "You’re an inspiration ??" - Dizee
- Apr 06, 2019 - R 600.00 Fees covered
- "You will smash it my love, well done for taking up the challenge and for such a great cause !" - Hubby
- Apr 06, 2019 - R 200.00 Fees covered
- "Great initiative! " - Andrew Harvard
- Apr 05, 2019 - R 200.00
- "Best of luck in the marathon! " - Matt Hinks
- Apr 05, 2019 - R 300.00 Fees covered
- "Well done Laura! You're an inspiration! (Sedgwick SA colleague)" - Anonymous
- Feb 22, 2019 - USD $ 75.06 Fees covered
- "We only just heard about you doing this - great effort for an amazing cause. Good luck with the training, and look forward to seeing you soon :)" - Chris, Nic, Mae, Amber and Joseph
- Feb 12, 2019 - USD $ 19.04 Fees covered
- "Good luck!" - Eric
- Jan 29, 2019 - R 1 000.00 Fees covered
- "Super proud of you Laws, and a very worthy cause. Xx" - Mom & Shaun
- Jan 29, 2019 - R 500.00 Fees covered
- "Love makes you Brave! Do “Tiny” things with great love and watch the world transform. #TinyTheMighty" - #TinyTheMighty
- Jan 18, 2019 - USD $ 21.05 Fees covered
- "In loving memory of Frank and Patricia Barile" - Joe Barile
- Jan 16, 2019 - R 1 000.00
- "So proud of you sister and only too happy to contribute to such a worthy cause that i hold so dear to my heart." - Nicci
- Jan 15, 2019 - R 500.00 Fees covered
- "God bless you and your family xxx" - A&C Hermanus
- Jan 15, 2019 - USD $ 152.81 Fees covered
- "All the best" - Anonymous
- Jan 14, 2019 - R 200.00 Fees covered
- "You are very brave! Good luck with the run, I think you will enjoy it. Thinking of you and your family xx" - Leigh Brown
- Jan 12, 2019 - R 200.00 Fees covered
- "Yes YOU can,you can do this!!..very touched by your story..." - Lara Jones
- Jan 12, 2019 - USD $ 38.02 Fees covered
- "One step at a time .... You go girl .... xxx" - Nick Canz and Alegra
- Jan 12, 2019 - R 500.00 Fees covered
- "Run Laura Run!! So proud of you Harvey’s " - Shannon Greek
- Jan 12, 2019 - USD $ 40.54 Fees covered
- "An incredibley special charity! Good luck with the run Laura, truly inspiring x" - Shelley
Statistics
Fundraising target
R 10 000.00Donations to date
R 14 558.71Rainbows and Smiles Foundation
The mission of Rainbows and Smiles is to provide emotional, social and financial support to families and caregivers in need when a child or children of that family is diagnosed with a life threatening illness such as cancer. In addition, Rainbows and Smiles encourage childhood cancer awareness to educate in the hope of promoting early detection.
To set up your own fundraising page for Rainbows and Smiles click here