Ex-AFL star and premiership player Campbell Brown is no stranger to a physical challenge, having been a fierce competitor in his 11-year football career. After losing his Mum, Kay, in 2019, Campbell appeared in the AFL Media's "Last Time I Cried" with Hamish McLachlan, opening up about his family's struggle after his Mum was diagnosed with advanced stage ovarian cancer.
This year, Campbell is resolved to help raise awareness and funds for ovarian cancer research, taking on the role of ambassador for the 2020 Silver Lining Ride, in the hopes that one day soon, an early detection test can be developed to prevent women being diagnosed with this deadly cancer when it's too late.
Donate to Campbell's fundraising page here.
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“I don’t cry often. But the last time I did, it was in a really public setting.
I remember vividly being at the races with friends last October, a friend came up to me and put his arm around me and said “I’m sorry to hear about your mum, I know exactly how you feel”. I thanked him and asked how he knew how I felt. It turned out that he lost his mum on Christmas Day. Immediately it triggered in me what I’d just gone through with my mum and that as a family, we were facing our first Christmas without her.
I just burst into tears.
Mum passed away from ovarian cancer last year. She had been diagnosed in 2017 and the initial operation to remove the tumour was successful. But the relief was short lived and within a month the doctors found the cancer had spread to her brain and not long after, it was found in her spinal fluid. That couldn’t be cured and eventually it made her paralysed. It was just riddled right throughout her body. Checking her into respite was probably the toughest moment, knowing that the end was coming.
We just never expected it. Up until her diagnosis, Mum had been a picture of health. At 68 years of age, it was hard to remember Mum being sick at any stage throughout her whole life. It added to the shock of the diagnosis, there were no signs of it at all so we never saw it coming. And the impact it had on the family was huge. Going in for multiple surgeries, we saw Mum deteriorate to a place you never want to see your loved ones…struggling to get around and in constant pain. One of the hardest things for mum was she became dependent on Dad, which had never been the case. It had always been the other way around. We could see her getting frustrated and angry at not being able to do the things she loved.
One of the things that really got me interested in the Silver Lining Ride was this idea that in every dark moment, every challenge we face, there’s also the opportunity to turn it into something positive. Looking back, I’m thankful knowing that although Mum had a limited amount of time, we got to really savour moments like birthdays, my sister’s wedding, as well as enjoying every minute Mum spent with my son Boston. I think he kept her going for another 6 months. Mum’s passing also made me realise that it’s okay to be vulnerable and talking about how I was feeling, opening up to others was something I hadn't really done before.
I’m excited to join a wonderful group of people, riding to raise awareness about this cause and importantly, to bring in more funds for research. I’m aiming to complete my 1,068 kms in memory of my Mum Kay...and having not been on a road bike for years, it’s not going to be easy. I’d love for you to support my ride by donating to my fundraising page.”
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Campbell and founder of the Silver Lining Ride, Georgie Herbert.
Campbell is taking on the challenge of riding 1,068km to raise funds for ovarian cancer research. 1,068 is the number of Australian women expected to lose their lives to ovarian cancer this year alone.
Help extend the lives of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer by making a donation toward vital research into this silent disease.
Donate to Campbell's fundraiser