Key Takeaways
- A 16-year-old Queenstown student, Tess Hurndell, is planning to walk 160km between Breast Hill and Breast Peak to raise awareness for breast cancer.
- The fundraising initiative, Ascent for Awareness, aims to raise $5000 for the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.
- Tess will walk 8km between Breast Peak and Breast Hill for every $250 raised, with a goal of completing 160km over the course of a month.
- The event is inspired by Tess’s personal experience with cancer diagnoses in her family and friends’ families.
- All money raised will go directly to the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ to support research and awareness efforts.
Introduction to the Ascent for Awareness Initiative
Tess Hurndell, a 16-year-old student from Queenstown, is embarking on an ambitious journey to raise awareness for breast cancer. She plans to walk 160km between Breast Hill and Breast Peak in Hāwea next month, with the goal of raising $5000 for the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. The fundraising initiative, Ascent for Awareness, is a personal endeavor for Tess, who has been inspired by the struggles of her father, cousin, and close friends’ families who have been diagnosed with cancer. With the support of sponsors and donors, Tess is confident that she can reach her goal and make a meaningful contribution to the fight against breast cancer.
Tess’s Preparation and Determination
Despite the challenging distance, Tess is well-prepared for the journey. As a regular hiker, she is familiar with the terrain and has the physical ability to complete the walk. "I know it will be super tough, but I have the ability to complete it," she said. Tess’s determination and confidence are admirable, and her passion for the cause is evident in her words. She is not only walking for a good cause, but also to honor the people in her life who have been affected by cancer. With every $250 raised, Tess will walk the challenging 8km between Breast Peak and Breast Hill, a distance that will take her about an hour and a half to complete.
The Inspiration Behind the Initiative
The idea for Ascent for Awareness was born last year when Tess was hiking Breast Hill in Lake Hāwea. She noticed Breast Peak in the distance and thought it would be a manageable and meaningful challenge to walk between the two peaks. The experience of witnessing the struggles of cancer diagnoses in her family and friends’ families has had a profound impact on Tess. She is driven by a desire to make a difference and raise awareness about the importance of funding for breast cancer research. "Female health is often underfunded and affects one in nine New Zealand women throughout their lifetime," she said. Tess’s initiative is a testament to the power of young people to make a positive impact on their communities.
The Fundraising Goal and Impact
Tess’s goal is to raise $5000 for the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, and she is encouraging people to donate $15 each to support her cause. "I only need 300 people of Queenstown’s 53,800 to donate $15 and I will be able to reach my goal," she said. The money raised will go directly to the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, which will use the funds to support research and awareness efforts. By reaching her goal, Tess will walk 160km over the course of a month, a significant achievement that will not only raise money but also raise awareness about the importance of breast cancer research. The Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is a reputable organization that relies on donations to continue its work, and Tess’s initiative is a valuable contribution to the cause.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Tess Hurndell’s Ascent for Awareness initiative is an inspiring example of the power of young people to make a difference in their communities. Her determination, passion, and commitment to the cause are admirable, and her goal of raising $5000 for the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is within reach. By supporting Tess’s initiative, people can contribute to a worthy cause and help raise awareness about the importance of breast cancer research. As Tess said, "The Peak-To-Peak Challenge Fundraiser is a sponsored journey dedicated to raising awareness and critical funds for the Breast Cancer Society." Let us support Tess in her journey and help her reach her goal of raising $5000 for the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.