Maya Zahran

The real reason I do this ...

“Why?”

“Why the hell not” should be my natural response but instead I say things like: “oh you know, I just love doing it! Seriously, you meet so many amazing people … and you know you feel like you’re making some kind of positive contribution!”

Having achieved a series of running and a couple of swimming events, I thought my Can Too days were over.

But, last September, my aunt lost her battle with cancer. It upset me and angered me much more than I realised. Here I was on the other side of the world learning of a precious soul being robbed of life.

It wasn’t a complete surprise – we knew she had been fighting cancer for some time. I just felt automatically helpless (and pretty damn hopeless). There was nothing I could do or say to change the outcome.

Those who know me well know that I like to be fairly in control of a situation. Here I was, lost for words and struggling to make sense of everything.

This wasn’t the first time I’ve been stopped in my tracks as far as cancer goes. I’ve unfortunately witnessed cancer completely burden the lives of many I deeply care about… in just about the most horrendous way.

The worst part about all of this is that I know for a fact – every single person reading this has in some way, shape or form been affected by cancer.

On the flip side, I’ve also witnessed how far modern medicine has come as far as detection, treatment and prevention is concerned. On a day-to-day basis I speak to people, young and old, from all walks of life, dealing with a cancer diagnosis.

The biggest thing that gets to me is how resilient these people are. They’re not caught up in the mundane, they’re moved to fight and do more.

And in turn, for yet another season, I am moved to fight and do more.

In some ways, it’s a bit of a stretch to say that this amount of fundraising and all this swimming will make a difference. But you’ve got to start somewhere, right?

I have confidence in Australian researchers – they are progressive and innovative. They deserve – actually, they need – to be funded. 

I’ve had the Can Too bug for years now. It’s always been a way for me to tackle my demons (mentally and physically) and it really has been one of the biggest life-changing experiences for me. Yes, to a certain degree I do this because in many ways it's food for my soul too.  

So when I go out swimming this Saturday, and the next and finally on “race day”, I will be doing it for all this and more.

I do it because I’m alive – and I know I should never take that for granted. I do it because I can.

And just quietly, I do it because I love a beachy start to the weekend!

Please, please consider making a donation – it truly will make a difference.

Mx 

I totes Can Too over (and over) again...

I think I have an addicition ... I've signed up, yet again, for another Can Too program. Why? Why the hell not...

As you may well know, Can Too is a not-for-profit organisation that matches fitness incentives with a good cause. Over the Summer I'll be paddling around Bondi Beach in a bid to reach my goal target of a 2km ocean swim. All I have to do - with your help and support - is train, have fun and raise plenty of funds for the Cure Cancer Foundation!