With team name ‘Dani’s Dynamos’, the Crossmans were motivated to do the Kosi Challenge to remember their late wife and mother Danielle, who passed away from a rare cancer at age 46.
“Dani was diagnosed with Stage 4 Medullary Thyroid cancer in Easter of 2021, when both of our girls were in their early teens,” Rob said.
“After her diagnosis, we were lucky enough to find an oncologist who connected us with Rare Cancers Australia (RCA).
“RCA was on the phone within two hours of my enquiry and provided us with solutions and ultimately much needed hope.”
There were no drugs for Dani’s type of cancer on the PBS, and the Crossmans simply could’nt afford the tens of thousands of dollars it would have cost to access that treatment.
However, through the support and advocacy of the oncologist and RCA, they we were able to get access to the drug Dani needed.
Sadly, after a few months of exposure to gruelling treatments, Dani’s condition deteriorated dramatically and she passed away with Rob by her side a few days before Christmas in 2021, just eight short months after her diagnosis.
Rob said they wanted to give back to the charity that gave so much to them in their time of need.
“It’s also a great way to keep Dani’s memory alive within the family and raise awareness about rare cancers to friends,” Rob said.
Dani’s Dynamos currently have the highest fundraising total of any community team having raised an astounding $24,185 which is going towards the $750,000 target set for the event.
To learn more, visit kosichallenge.com.au.
Family climb mountain to raise funds in honour of late mother
PICNIC Point family Rob, 51, Lily, 17, and Ella, 16, Crossman were among over 650 people descending on Thredbo earlier this month to take on Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko, in a charity challenge to raise awareness and vital funds for rare and less common cancers.