Sydney FC is excited to unveil a new partnership with Cancer Council, Australia’s leading cancer charity, in celebration of their 20th anniversary season.
The collaboration between both organisations is a powerful tool for reaching countless Australians by spreading awareness and donating money to life-saving cancer research.
With one of the largest fan bases in the A-League, the cancer council’s partnership with Sydney FC builds community support and reaches many eyes.
Cancer Council NSW Chief Executive Officer Sarah Hosking spoke on the exciting partnership with Sydney FC.
“Partnering with Sydney FC will provide us the opportunity to connect with the Greater Sydney community, empowering Aussies to prevent cancer and support world-class research, reducing the impact of this deadly disease,” she said in a press release.
The cancer statistics for Australians are alarming, by the first kick-off of every A-League season, 51,000 Australians would have lost their life in the past year. Almost 1 in 2 Australians are diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85.
Cancer survival rates have increased to 70% for Australians, partnering with a community-based club, donations will continue to drive up higher survival rights.
The collaboration targets the male demographic, who typically lack in getting health checks and keeping on top of health management. Males in Australia are less likely than females to seek out healthcare services and have a shorter life expectancy for these reasons.
Sydney FC Chief Executive Officer Mark Aubrey called on the Sydney FC community to support the initiative.
“Together with Cancer Council, we’re inviting our fans and the wider community to stand together against cancer, to make a lasting impact that will save lives and build a healthier future for all,” he said in a press release.
Sydney FC player Harrison Devenish-Meares shared a personal story of his mother, Rossanna, being diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma, a cancerous tumour that formed on the kidney back in 2021. Rossanna found out the diagnosis through an unrelated health issue.
Harrison began to plan a return to Australian football to be closer to his mother and struggled to play overseas while she underwent treatment. The treatment for Harrison’s mother was successful, and her new lease on life has inspired her to raise $4,000 for Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea.
Harrison reflected on his family’s experience with cancer and what his takeaway was from the ordeal.
“When it hits close to home, it hits different. Mum was lucky that her cancer was detected early, and her prognosis was excellent. I take inspiration from the fact she’s used it as a springboard to live a more fulfilling life,” he said in a press release.
The objectives are to spread awareness of these alarming statistics, reach a demographic of Australians neglecting their health, communicate how Australians can help donate and build community support across the Greater Sydney community.
