Commonwealth Bank’s Post

“When I signed up for my first Can4Cancer Sydney Walk this year, it was a big step. I walked in memory of my son, Toby, who passed away in 2020 at just 14 years old. Diagnosed at 12 with a rare form of leukaemia, Toby faced every treatment option with extraordinary courage and resilience. I’d always wanted to take part in this charity event, but for a long time the loss was too raw. This year, I decided it was time to put on a brave face and do something meaningful.  I wasn’t just walking for Toby, I was also walking for several friends who are fighting cancer, including one very dear friend who sadly passed away three days before the walk. I often reflect on Toby’s ability to find joy despite the challenges he faced. Whether it was enduring dreadful traffic to get to Westmead, waiting hours for blood transfusions at Gosford, or sitting in the clinic for treatment, he never complained. Even when hearing bad news from doctors or from us, he would take it in, process it, and carry on with his fight. The support from my walking team, friends, and family has been phenomenal. Raising funds and awareness for cancer research is so critical. Toby had the most advanced treatment available at the time. He was one of the first children in Australia to receive CAR-T cell therapy. It was pioneering, but still in its infancy. Had Toby become ill now, five years later, advancements in treatment mean he would probably have survived. That’s why this matters. Every donation, no matter the amount, helps fund research that saves lives.” Chris Martin Designated Trading Representative, CommSec