Lia Heal

Cause: Leukaemia Foundation
Adventure: New York City Marathon 2017
Fundraising Page: Leukaemia Foundation
Social: @liabarbatano

As our Fundraiser of the Month, Lia has scored herself a $50 donation to her fundraising page. To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.

What inspired you to take on your marathon challenge with Leukaemia Foundation?

I was inspired to take on the marathon challenge after watching my mother fight AML Leukaemia for nearly 3 years, sadly she passed away in January 2011. I wanted to really take on massive challenge, that was going to test me and at the same time to try to help the Leukaemia Foundation by raising money to fund research, so that Australians diagnosed with blood cancers could receive better treatment in the future and hope for one day that could lead to cures, so people won’t have to face the uncertain road and suffer like my mum did.

How are you feeling about the challenge ahead? Have you ever been to New York before? Or run a marathon?

I’m not going to lie…. I’m petrified! I have been to New York before but have never run a marathon…. ever!

What have been some of the highlights of your fundraising experience so far?

Some of the highlights of my experience so far, has been receiving the unexpected support and generosity from friends, family and work colleagues for my sausage sizzle fundraiser back in January. All I had to do was ask and they were there with bells on, and for the people who couldn’t physically be present they donated supplies for the day. Just amazing!

“Dreams only come to those who hustle”

What has been your biggest challenges in taking on an Inspired Adventure? How did you overcome this?

The biggest challenges for me I think is the physical and mental training involved to be able to complete the marathon, as well as keeping motivated to fundraise and reach my fundraising goal. I’m training with the Running Centre here in Perth, the 5am starts are tough before work but I know it has to be done as I can’t let all the people supporting me down, I have to get over that finish line! Knowing I have people’s support when the training gets hard as well as having an image of my mum in my head while I’m running is what is keeping me going at this stage.

Have you noticed any changes or transformation in your life since signing up for the marathon?

So far, I have noticed that in weeks that I feel fitter definitely. When setting a goal, with a lot of hard work and determination you can give yourself hope in getting there. My favourite quote that keeps me going while I’m in the middle of my run and my legs start getting heavy and you think twice about stopping…  “Dreams only come to those who hustle”.

What are you most looking forward to about your upcoming challenge?

I am looking forward to being able to tick running a marathon and doing something ‘substantial’ to help contribute to the Leukaemia Foundation off my bucket list!

What advice would you offer to other people looking to complete a challenge like this?

Really think hard about why you are setting yourself this goal? Do you want it badly enough to put yourself through the mental and physical ‘ups and downs’ to make it to the end? Everyone also needs support from family and friends, it’s not possible without them.

Fundraiser of the Month

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!

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