Geoff Sparke and Jason Tuendemann join brain surgeon, Charlie Teo’s Million$Mission to raise funds for the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation.
In memory of SMPTE supporter, industry mate and colleague, Robert Rutherford who passed away a short while back at the hands of this aggressive and merciless cancer, TEN Network’s Chief Technology Officier, Jason Tuendemann and NINE Network’s Director of Operations, Geoff Spark have volunteered to each raise $100,000 for the Million dollar Mission for the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation. “My father passed away from brain cancer in 2005, age 68. A close colleague is currently battling the disease. Cancer touches us all in some way and I want to help change this.” Quoted Geoff.
Ten high profile Business executives from around Australia will each attempt to raise $100,000 through donations and sponsorship for the Million$Mission. The money will fund much-needed research to help achieve the Foundation’s goal of increasing the five- year survival rate of brain cancer victims from the current 20% to 50% by 2023.
The statistics about brain cancer are frightening. Around 1,600 people are diagnosed with this terrible disease in Australia annually and approximately 1,200 die from it – every year. Brain cancer kills more children in Australia than any other disease and more people under 40 than any other cancer. Brain cancer survival rates are low and have hardly changed for 30 years, despite significant increases in survival for Australians diagnosed with other types of cancer, such as prostate and breast cancer.
Together with Charlie, in July this year the ten business executives are going to walk and hopefully reach the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. At 5,895 metres, Mt Kiliminjaro is Africa’s highest peak and the largest free-standing mountain in the world. This is an oxygen-free walk and not a challenge to take lightly.
SMPTE is urging all our members and followers to dig deep and donate to this very worthy cause. Click on either Geoff or Jason to be redirected to the Cure Brain Cancer site where you can make your donation.