Hundreds of people are arriving in Mildura, Victoria today to begin a five-day driving adventure, with no idea where they are going! It’s called the 2018 Mystery Box Rally and it’s all about raising money for Cancer Council!
At 9am tomorrow morning Saturday October 20 (departing from Ornamental Park, Mildura) 150 teams of two will convoy in 25+ year old cars, only just having been told that day’s route – the rest is a mystery.
With over $745k raised so far, participants fundraise often inspired by their own experiences with cancer.
Cathy and her husband Chris have called their team ‘Are We There Yet?’ and are driving a 1991 Holden Commodore Station wagon in this years Rally. This is Cathy’s story:
"The reason my husband and I are doing Mystery Box Rally is because 6 years ago I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and after surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, I am now 6 years free. Whilst my treatment took 7 months, as far as I am concerned I was free from cancer after my surgery, and everything else was a preventative. I personally don’t like the term remission as it seems like I am waiting for it to come back.
Last November my Mum was diagnosed with Stage 4 Terminal Advanced Breast Cancer as it had spread to her bones. Every day we get to spend with her is a blessing. We know that without the advances of research over the years I probably wouldn’t be here today, and neither would my Mum.
For us, it is our way of giving back and helping to fund research so eventually no-one ever has to hear the words ‘You have Cancer’, because not only do those three words affect the patient, it has an enormous impact upon the patient’s family, especially if they have children."
Box Rallies has generated over $15,304,425 since it began to cancer research plus media awareness for Cancer Council – helping the lives of millions of Australians who are facing their unknown journeys.
Founder James Freeman adds "Cancer is one of the scariest personal journeys someone can embark on. It takes a brave soul and the full support of family and friends to overcome not knowing how it’ll turn out. Which is why we intentionally created an element of mystery to this rally,"
Mystery Box Rally, while a journey with a very clear mission, is just as much about having fun, creating great stories with mates and pushing personal limits.
With full tanks, crazy outfits and big hearts, the teams will set off at 9.00am on Saturday 20th October from Ornamental Park, Mildura, on the corner of Magnolia and Seventh Street and return on Wednesday 24th October at approximately 3pm.
