Fundraiser of the Month – Gabrielle Lee

I love a challenge and I have never been overseas. I stumbled across the Inspired Adventures website and when I saw the Machu Picchu trek for the Leukaemia Foundation, I didn’t need to put any more thought into it. I booked it instantly. When my brother Josh was 5 years old, he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. We are very close, born just 12 months apart. Josh spent a year at Westmead Children’s Hospital where he underwent a bone marrow transplant and chemotherapy. My mum didn’t have much money and relied heavily on support services such as transport, financial assistance, accommodation, education and emotional support. Being a cause so close to my heart, I love any opportunity to fundraise for the Leukaemia Foundation. Josh is now 26 years old and fortunately, very healthy. He’s especially excited for the adventure I’m about to take!

I’m excited! I am eager to meet my team who seem to be such like-minded and inspiring people. I’m a little bit nervous about the difficulty of the trek but I’m sure it will be a great experience and I can’t wait to take on one of the most beautiful treks in the world!

Having a fundraiser BBQ at Bunnings would be the most successful event I have held so far. It was great to get out in the community and talk to people about the foundation and why I’m raising money. I had such a supportive team of family, close friends, and even some acquaintances who turned out to be more generous than I could have ever imagined!

Just seeing how helpful and generous people can be would have to be the ultimate highlight. Getting a donation from someone who you least expect really warms the heart. Meeting people while fundraising and hearing stories about their experiences with leukaemia, whether it is their own, a friend or family member, it makes me feel so determined and motivated to do all that I can for the foundation.

I joined the Machu Picchu group in December and so I haven’t had long to get organised. My biggest challenge has been the financial struggle that comes with any overseas trip. I just stay focused on what’s ahead and how much this cause means to me. I have been working hard to get myself to Peru and it’s not hard to remind myself why I’m doing this.

Become our Fundraiser of the Month to win a $50 donation to your fundraising page!

Take a picture whilst fundraising for your adventure and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired and your adventure hashtag. The most exciting use of the hashtag, with a fundraising focus will be our Fundraiser of the Month – it’s that easy!