A Man’s Heartfelt Tribute To His Mother And Girlfriend

(Newswire.net — September 16, 2015) Perth, Western Australia — Come October for women everywhere, the focus turns to the fight against cancer with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The annual campaign is designed to increase awareness of the disease, which is the most common cancer among women in America, barring that of skin cancer.

With pink ribbons seen everywhere, the notion is to encourage women to get early testing and also raise awareness of the disease and funding for improvements in treatments.

Currently, statistics show about 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. In 2015 alone, an estimated 231,840 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 60,290 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.

http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/statistics

Given this data, the issue of raising awareness and funding is and will, continue to be imperative.

Martin Howley, a native from Ireland who is now based in Perth, Australia, has experience the grief caused by cancer, having lost both his beloved mother and the love of his life to the deadly disease.

His heartbreaking loss has spearheaded him on a mission to save others from the same fate.

Next month, Howley is set to embark on the 2015 Perth Ride, where he aims to become the highest fundraiser. The two-day, 200km cycle benefits the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research. Every participant is required to raise a minimum of $2,500, but Howley’s goals are far more ambitious – he is aiming to bring in $55,000.

“I want to really make a difference and help in the battle against cancer,” Howley says. “I know it might seem like an ambitious amount, but sometimes you need to set the bar high to really achieve your goals – and my goal is to get more funding for the disease, which will save lives.”

Howley’s commitment has left others in awe.

A spokesperson for the Ride to Conquer Cancer says he is a true inspiration.

“Martin has raised this excessive amount by simply choosing to spread the word and let everyone know of the 200km journey he is set to embark on in October,” the spokesperson says. “From family members to complete strangers, Martin has informed people near and far about his fundraising goals and continues to do so in an effort to surpass his target. This cause is something very personal to Martin as cancer is something that has affected those close to him, therefore, he will stop at nothing to ensure he continues to raise vital funds for cancer research. An effort that is nothing short of inspiring.“

In October, more and more stories like Howley’s will emerge, giving hope to us all that if we all stand together, we can help stamp out the disease that threatens to destroy so many of us.

 

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