Meet the R4R Runners #15
Steve Gamarra
Welcome to the 15th edition of the Meet the R4R Runners. This week, we get to meet Steve, who has been a consistent force at R4R since starting recently. Steve spoke at last weeks run about a fundraiser he’s doing for Neuroscience Department at the Alfred Hospital.
Without saying too much about Steve’s story here (read below), of the many things I admire in people, one of them is the desire to make a difference through effort and action. Steve’s story is heart breaking and also inspiring and when he asked if there was anyway we could spread the word about his cause, there was no doubt in my mind about saying yes. It’s an honour for R4R to have people like Steve attend, so let’s meet him!
What is your name?
Steve Gamarra
Where are you from?
Mean streets of Florey.
Have you always lived in Canberra?
Yes
How did you first hear about R4R?
I got recommended by a friend of mine at the gym I train at. After reassessing my training with injuries over time, I wanted to incorporate more running.
When did you first attend a R4R?
First week back in 2022.
What keeps you coming back to R4R?
Biggest thing I've taken away from R4R is the diversity of individuals who take part, the sense of community and fast runners to chase after.
Do you have a R4R Personal Best? If not, what’s your 5km PB?
So far a 26m55 for 6K, I'm about as aerodynamic as a potato but I'll aim to do better.
Do you prefer the winter R4Rs or the Summer R4Rs?
Definitely summer.
Do you prefer Friday or Wednesday R4R? or in other words… Do you prefer beer or coffee?
Beer, 100 percent.
If you could go for a 3km/6km walk or run with 3 people alive or dead, who would you choose and why?
Arturo Gatti, Johnny Cash and Ken Myles. For the stories they could tell during their careers.
What does resilience mean to you?
To me, resilience means being able to remain positive and focused during difficult times, to achieve your objective.
Is there a time in your life where you’ve had to rely on your ability to be resilient?
Recently I've had a brother of mine diagnosed with a severe brain tumour, which is now my second sibling to be diagnosed with a brain tumour. It's been difficult to come to grips with, however I'm lucky to have friends and networks supporting me.
If you could say one thing to someone going through something tough at the moment, what would it be?
Tough and testing times will come and go, but I'll ride them with you.
In the 2022 edition of the R4R Gift, who will win the coveted Clydesdale award 100kg and above?
Jonesy, Benny A, or other? Off.. I'll say Jonesy (sorry Benny).
Cheers, Steve! And for those that would like to contribute or read more about Steve’s story, please use this link and/or read below.
A few words from Stephen
What if it happened to you and your family, not once, but twice?
It’s always daunting when you’re seeking answers and waiting on results concerning your health. However, more often, the results are clear or manageable with minimal intervention.
Since experiencing several abnormal symptoms, my eldest brother Bryan began several tests to establish what could be causing them.
Towards the end of 2021, Bryan underwent a brain MRI, which left our family lost for words. The MRI showed a large intracranial tumour, occupying three cortexes within the dominant side of his brain.
I want to say that the feelings and emotions experienced by our family were foreign, but they’re not. This is the second time a sibling of mine has been diagnosed with a brain tumour, and our family personally knows the uncertainty and inherent risks this diagnosis poses moving forward.
Our world changed in the blink of an eye. Changes and sacrifices have and will be made as we progress. Needless to say, the support our friends have shown is greatly appreciated by the family.
It wasn’t until I reached out to friends that I learnt how many of their families have been impacted by brain cancer. They shared with me the same feelings of helplessness and not being in control.
In 2020, 1879 Australian families received the devastating news that a loved one was diagnosed with brain cancer. After a quick internet search, they would have discovered that the sad fact is that outlook for patients with brain cancer has not improved for over a decade.
Brain cancer kills more people under the age of 40 than any other cancer. It seems that we have reached the limit of what current treatment can offer, and only research will provide the key to developing treatments for a brighter outlook.
Where I can help, with your assistance, is to raise funds for this research into brain cancer.
On 5 March 2022, I will be running in the Stromlo Running Festival 50K Ultramarathon. My good mate Brenton is aiming to run alongside me, pending his current sporting commitments.
https://stromlorunningfestival.com.au
Now Brenton and I are just two knock-about, average blokes. We’re no runners by any means, we definitely won’t light up the track, and it’s going to be tough. However, we’re both head-strong (others will say stubborn), and we will run, jog, walk, stagger and crawl to the finish.
Brenton and I know there are people out there battling brain cancer who have been limited due to their diagnoses. However, if we can inspire just one person during their journey or give a future family and loved one a greater chance and quality of life, it will all be worth it.
All donations received, irrespective of how big or small, will be provided directly to the Neuroscience Department at the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne. Please jump on the following link for additional information about where and what your donations will be put towards.
https://www.alfredhealth.org.au/research/research-areas/alfred-brain-tumour-bio-databank
Special mentions to Dr. Matthew Gutman (Neurosurgeon), Emily Galea (RN, MN Sc, manager of the Alfred Brain Bio-Data Bank), Natalie Frostick (B.Chiro, M. Chiro, ICCSP) of Enhance Health Care, David Nixon of Functional Fitness Australia and everyone at Running for Resilience.
Please like and share to assist in raising awareness.
Thank you.