My Updates
I DID IT!!!
Saturday 9th Nov
Race Ready
Sunday 3rd Nov
Registered & Ready
Saturday 2nd Nov
First NY Run!
Saturday 2nd Nov
Arrived Stateside!
Saturday 2nd Nov
My WHY
Tuesday 22nd Oct
2024 marks a significant milestone for me - it's been 10
years since I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It’s also the year I turn 50,
and I'm set to achieve a lifelong goal: running a marathon!
When I was diagnosed unexpectedly, I was confronted with my own mortality. The fear of dying became very real, very fast. My dear Mum had passed away from breast cancer at age 52, when I’d just turned 17, and 6 months later I lost my Nan to cancer as well. It was hard not to wonder if my fate would be the same.
Whilst I was fortunate and caught my cancer early avoiding chemo, it turned out that I carry the BRCA2 gene mutation, which significantly increases the risk of breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers. This genetic information played a crucial role in shaping my treatment and surgery plan and also helped my sister Tracie, who was diagnosed with the same mutation and then breast cancer 3 years later. Sadly, these medical advances came too late for my Mum, by about 7 years.
During my diagnosis, I spent a lot of time reflecting on life. I made a promise to myself: if I survived, I would chase a goal I'd long held but never pursued - running a marathon. A strange goal, considering I've always hated running. But something about the physical and mental challenge intrigued me, and I wanted to see if I could conquer it.
I survived. So did Tracie. And though I’ve spent the last 10 years putting it off, I am finally making that goal a reality. On 3 November 2024, I will be running the New York City Marathon (or attempting to!), thanks to Daniel (my amazing and patient husband) and wonderful friend Nic, who made it possible.
I started training in June 2023, and it hasn’t been easy. I’ve broken 2 toes (not from running but being clumsy), faced the persistent voices in my head telling me to stop, battled 4:30 am alarms, and pushed through countless sore muscles. But I’m still going, and I'm determined to run every step of the 42.195 kms (roughly 55,000 steps!) in honour of my incredible Mum, my beloved Nan, and everyone else who is affected by cancer. But I can’t do this alone - I need your help.
To make this effort even more meaningful, I am raising funds for the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, the incredible not-for-profit cancer treatment centre where Tracie and I received our all our genetic testing, treatment, surgeries, and care. Their multi-disciplinary approach to cancer care, alongside outstanding medical teams, undoubtedly saved our lives.
The Chris O’Brien Lifehouse has a specific hardship initiative which I'd like to support, called the Shae Gibson Women’s Cancer Support Fund, which provides financial assistance to women from lower socio-economic backgrounds for their cancer treatment. Cancer is an incredibly expensive illness, and far too many women are unable to afford the treatment they desperately need.
So please take a moment to donate.
Any amount, big or small, will motivate me to keep going and cross that finish line and help other women not just survive cancer, but thrive - just like me.
Let’s make every step—and every dollar—count!
THANK YOU
xoxoxo
* A/Prof Cindy Mak - my wonderful surgeon
* Dr Caroline Harrison - my faithful GP
* Mel, Lisa & Sarah - for teaching me how to run with self-belief I can do this
@ Boobs on the Run: boobsontherun.com.au
@ Messa Training: messatraininglab.com.au
@ iMove - imovephysio.com.au
@ H3 Chiro: www.chiroh3.com.au
Thank you to my Sponsors
$500
Alex Sohler
$500
Philip O'sullivan
I'm so happy for you Sheryl. As with everything else you do I know you will finish with a great big smile on your face.
$435
Emma Fairclough
I couldn’t be more proud of you Shez. You inspire me, and us all, every day. Go get em sister! This is your NY moment and then some! And what an incredible cause. Delighted to support you in this xxx
$263.75
Gregory Mullins
Well done for getting this far Sheryl - and you will smoke it in a week, have a great run. And nice you doing it for such a great cause and sharing your personal story. Best wishes Gregory
$263.75
Rachel Campbell
You never cease to amaze me, sweetheart xx
$263.75
Andiamo Trattoria
Well done and you are such an inspiration! Joe,Val and all the Team ❤
$263.75
Tess Haberfield
Toucan, you can! A cause near and dear! Run, walk, skip like the wind 🎶
$250
Paul, Lucy, Arch, Maeve & Sylvie
Sheryl, this is an awesome thing to do by an awesome person. Admire all you do and love you to bits. We'd donate an extra $1000 if Danny was doing it. Just to see his face. Love The Jenkins clan xxx
$211
Vic And Scott
Go girl! We’ll be cheering every step!
$211
Renee Cosgrave
So proud of you. We’ll be cheering you on from sunny Sydney. X
$200
Comb Studio Dulwich Hill
A cause close to my heart and happy to donate the cost of your hairdo so you look your best in NY!
$200
Acquire Talent
Wishing you and all the very best 👊🏼
$158.25
Hannah And The Langmaid’s
Words can not express how proud I Am - what an inspiration you are!!!!
$158.25
Matthew Dunham
$158.25
Phil Wheeler
Fantastic effort just to get to this point Sheryl. Good luck and look forward to hearing all about it. Phil
$105.50
Helen Pipes
Think I’m a bit late and I’m sure you absolutely smashed it. You are an absolute legend SBS. Love HBH xxxxxx
$105.50
Jane Scotcher
What an awesome goal! That’s commitment. Good luck, I know you’ll nail it.
$105.50
Cat Wilson
Great cause Shezza! Good luck xxx
$105.50
Andrew Savage
Good luck Sheryl. You've done amazing to get to this point and I'm sure you've got this! Can't wait to hear all about it.
$105.50
Tracie Sharp
Wowsers to say I'm impressed that you not only set yourself this amazing goal, to see all the hard work / training you have put in over the last 18 months and to be able to watch you in the Big Apple totally smashing your goal is inspirational to say the least. I'm so proud of you, and I know Mum, Nan and Auntie Doreen are looking down their hearts beaming with joy and pride You are amazing and I'm so lucky to have you as my sister xXx
$105.50
Yvette & Tim
So amazing! You’ve got this Sheryl - we’ll be cheering you on!
$105.50
Vanessa Bishop
Run! Sheryl! Run! What an amazing goal and one you’ll smash, no doubt!! Go girl!! 🏃🏼♀️
$105.50
Sonya Link
You are so inspirational Sheryl… you got this!!!
$105.50
Libby Wray
Good luck with marathon. I hope you finish and then you can have a Bex, a cup of tea and a good lie down.
$105.50
Debbie Piperides
Good luck Sheryl! You’ve got this your amazing! 🏃♀️➡️xx
$105.50
Mags Mendez
Amazing challenge you've set for yourself Sheryl and such a worthy cause, good luck!!
$105.50
Jackie Callaway
$105.50
Selma Ozkan
Good luck, Sheryl! An amazing race to be part of while raising funds for a great cause.
$105.50
Riana Steyn
Wishing you all the best for this personal and important run Sheryl - an inspirational effort to help make a difference in the lives of many people who are also fighting this battle. You've got this!
$105.50
Dan And Kiki
So proud of you - now go show NYC what you’ve got!
$105.50
Sheryl O'brien
$105.50
Sara Hopwood
Good luck! We know you can do it x
$105.50
Nigel Dent
Good luck Shezza
$105.50
Van, Andy, Ethan & Anouk
An amazing cause, an amazing person....well done Sheryl, you're an inspiration to everyone!
$105.50
Lisa Alley
You legend - keep on inspiring xxx
$105.50
Lisa Chilton
Such an amazing cause. Good luck Shez. Another goal that I know you’ll smash! Xxx
$105.50
Paul Larkin
What an amazing achievement Cheryl - I'm in awe of you!
$105.50
Chris Spelman
Good luck Sheryl. What an amazing thing to do.
$105.50
Trisha Ward
Super Woman! Wishing you all the powers you need. You can do it!!
$105.50
Alice Hickey
Wow Sheryl! You got this. Thank you for making a difference.
$105.50
Clair Kauter
❤️
$105.50
Liz And Paul Roberts
You are amazing. Have fun xxx
$105.50
Linda Richardson
$105.50
Melissa Walker
You are inspiring And this is the best of causes
$105.50
Ronald Spahr
Good luck in your endeavour!
$100
Julianne Broberg
$100
Tara & Daz Xx
Amazing! You are inspirational and will smash this! xxxx
$100
Cameron Johnstone
I take my hat off to you!
$100
The Smyth’s
Go Sheryl ! You’ve got this
$100
Suzana Kostovski
Go Sheryl! Thank you for sharing your story and for supporting this important cause ❤️ I am cheering for you!
$100
Julie Mills
You got this!
$100
Dagger & Boidin's
Woohoo go Sheryl with an S. You're amazing, you'll smash it. x
$100
Phil And Judd
Sending love, light and good vibes - for the marathon - and for always! xxx
$100
Renae
$100
Boobs On The Run
From your family at Boobs on the Run. You have done all the hard work Sheryl! You can absolutely do this! Have an absolute ball. #youcandohardthings
$89.03
Deb Richo
You go girl!…. Donating $1 for each km for both your mum and your nan! You have banked so many hours pounding the pavement. Enjoy the ride as I know you will x x
$75
Anonymous
Go Sheryl! So inspired by your tenacity and determination! The meaghers
$52.75
Madeleine Carter
You are extraordinarily Sheryl, I am cheering for you Xx
$52.75
Rakesh Patel
Go well Boss! And enjoy the cocktails afterwards.
$52.75
Windy Zhang
Keep the good work up Sheryl!
$52.75
Liz Vella
Congratulations Sheryl - that is just sooo fantastic 👏👏 Liz Vella
$52.75
Nikki & Dave G
You got this! Xxx
$52.75
Dany Chiu
Good luck Sheryl!
$52.75
Graham Harris
Well done Sheryl. You are an inspiration with your tribute to your Mum and all those around you . Good luck in the big race . With love Graham and Aida
$52.75
Jon Bon Jovi
$52.75
Catherine Sengupta
My hat is off to you Sheryl- inspirational! Xxx
$52.75
Dean Mcauley
Way to go Shezza - your strength, courage and unwavering determination inspires us all. You’ll smash it and a massive congratulations on making this wonderful moment a reality. Love ya heaps! x
$52.75
Anil
Go on girl! You smash it!!!!!
$52.75
Anonymous
Best of luck Sheryl!
$52.75
David Cozens
You go, girlfriend! Kudos to you and smashing 42kms!
$52.75
Jackie Price
Cheering you on Shez! You’re an anazing woman with an amazing story 😘
$52.75
Scott Lindsay
Cannot not even imagine how awesome it will feel to cross that finish line. Have an awesome trip. xxx
$52.75
Kat Hunter
Incredible story and an incredible goal to achieve. You’ve always be amazing and continue to be even in the face of massive adversity. You’ve got this - we’re all cheering for you! ♥️
$52.75
Shane Baker
What an amazing life experience and incredible display of courage and dedication. On top of all that, what a great cause you’re supporting. Wishing you all the best Sheryl!
$52.75
Paul Pierucci
Good luck Sheryl
$52.75
Suzy Musarra
Go Sheryl! We’re cheering for you all the way!
$52.75
Trish Obrien And Moyra
See you at the finish line xxx
$52.75
Lockie
Good Luck Sheryl! Enjoy! Super proud of you! Setting out on a dream 🏃♀️ 🩷 love Marie,Sev and Eden xxxx
$52.75
Ellen
Go you good thing!! You’ve worked so hard for this. Enjoy the ride, run your own race and soak it all up. xx
$52.75
Lauren Sims
$52.75
Sandra Kirner
You've got this, so proud of you x
$52.75
Kate And Jason Warne
The things you do when you leave Essex! You’re amazing!
$52.75
Nella Wild
🩷🌈🩷🌈
$52.75
Daniel And Sally Trathen
Good luck Shezza!
$52.75
Nicole Osullivan
Dear Sheryl - sending you my best wishes to get through those 42km’s…you can do it!!! Cheers Nic
$52.75
Vince Buscema
You go girl…!
$52.75
Rachael Tram
Well done Sheryl, what a great cause!
$52.75
Thalia Amanakis
$52.75
Lisa & David
You are an amazing woman ! Now go show those NYC people how it's done !!! Sending love ❤️
$52.75
Steven Hughes
$52.75
Matt Clarke
Well done mate 😤
$52.75
Uncle B
Good luck sweetheart
$52.75
Rose Mcenery
All the very best for New York!!!
$52.75
Dimitra
$52.75
Alex Lowes
Amazing effort Sheryl, congratulations
$52.75
Caroline Page
Go Sheryl! You’ve got this legend! Go conquer NYC 🙌🏻
$52.75
Sarah And Erik
Good luck! You’ll do great!
$52.75
Dj
Run Shazza run
$52.75
Jenny Waite
Amazing Sheryl, you are an inspiration
$52.75
Susan Franco
Have the best time running that marathon. It’s a metaphor for your resilience and strength and you e done all the hard work.
$52.75
Michelle Pombart
You are an inspiration my friend
$52.75
Courtney Lawrence
$52.75
Cherrie Bullard
Go Sheryl behind you all the way, your not only an inspiration your a survivor 💖
$52.75
Meg
$50
Josh Landis
Good luck Sheryl!
$50
Anonymous
Go get’em Shezza!!! 💪🏻🙌🏻🙏🏻😊
$50
Jonathan Roberts
Hits close to home, thanks for sharing your story, great motivation and good luck on achieving your goal. 🙏 ~ JR
$50
Mark Cox
Good on you Sheryl congratulations, hope it has gone well and you smashed your marathon goals! 😀
$45.37
Cath Cooney
Ah look at you go at 50 and fabulous! Amazing honour for all those who are no longer around, or are unable to achieve such a goal. One for each km for my sis as well, who has just received the all clear in the last couple of weeks after diagnosis in January which included spread to 18 lymph nodes. I am sure 15-20 years ago without this research we would have been having a different conversation about you all right now. You are all amazing taking on this horrid disease xx
$44.52
Anne Marie Sanni
$42.20
Lynne Marshall
Go Sheryl, cheering you on from the UK..! Congratulations
$31.65
Danielle Parsons
So inspiring, good luck Sheryl
$31.65
Linda Ngo
You are such an inspiration!! Go and concur that concrete jungle with your magnificence.
$31.65
Mike Hardy
Good luck Sheryl…. The pain is worth it with the feeling you get when you complete it!!! Xx
$31.65
Anthony Mittiga
Bravo Shez! What a fantastic cause to donate for and magnificent achievement. I know you’ll blitz it!
$31.65
Jenna Mccallum
Good luck! Have an amazing time!
$26.38
Jenny Wells
Good luck chick!
$26.38
Amy Freeman-sanderson
Fantastic Sheryl! You’re such a champion! Hope you enjoy it and thank you for raising awareness for cancer xx
$26.38
Allie
Go girl ! What an achievement- you’re a winner Al ready! Xxx
$26.38
Sarah Thompson
So proud of you Sheryl, you’ll be amazing. Enjoy the sights & the atmosphere on such a great achievement.
$26.38
Lisa Jennings
YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION MY FRIEND 🔥🫶🔥🫶🔥🫶🔥🫶🔥🫶✨️💫
$26.38
Tam Mulroney
Inspiring Sheryl!
$26.38
Paola And Family
Yes YOU can! Can already see you at the finishing line! Bravo for your continual pursuit for achieving your long term goals, whilst keeping your passion, laughter and mojo!
$21.10
Taryn
I’m in awe!!
$21.10
Zahra Crane
$21.10
Kathryn Moore
You're AMAZING Sheryl ! Good luck.
$21.10
Kate Sullivan
Don’t forget to enjoy the run, it will be such an awesome experience
$20
Grace Joukhadar
What a champion you are! Sheryl this is such a special goal that has come out of a very challenging time. Wishing you all the best on the marathon!
$20
Si
9980.. the last mile. X.
$5
Bella O'brien
I can't believe my mummy is going to run the marathon it's amazing Cheer for Sheryl to raise money for the hospital You're the best mummy I love you 👏👏🙏🏃♀️🏃♀️🙏🥳🥳🙂↔️🙂↔️
Go for it Sheryl. You can do it!