What is the World’s Largest High Heel Race?

The World’s Largest High Heel Race 2016 is set to beat the current Guinness World Record for the largest number of people running in high heels. The current record sits at 967 people, completed in Indiana, USA. Shoes must have a height of at least 2.75 inches and must have proper heels, not wedges. Funds raised will go towards the establishment of a community cafe, which will provide an ongoing source of revenue for the Warwick Cancer Foundation, allowing it to continue support services for young people diagnosed with cancer.

You're probably wondering what high heels have to do with cancer?

The high heel race was inspired by the Warwick Foundation’s ‘Mates in my Shoes’ program. This program connects people who have been diagnosed with cancer with others in a similar situation, as well as their carers. These connections can help minimise feelings of isolation and decrease psychosocial distress. The high heel race is all about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes, sharing the experiences and feelings that people go through in such challenging times.

#SHARETHEFEEL

The Warwick Cancer Foundation has held high heel races in 2010, 2011 and 2012. The fundraising event has received support from various Australian celebrities and performers, including Hollywood actress Margot Robbie, comedian Tom Gleeson and Melbourne drag performance group the Manly Sisters.

THE WARWICK CANCER FOUNDATION

Every hour a young adult is diagnosed with cancer in Australia

While there are many cancer-related organisations for children and older adults, there are few organisations that meet the needs of adults under 40 years of age.

The Warwick Cancer Foundation is the only not-for-profit that supports adults under 40 dealing with the life-changing impacts of cancer.

We do this by:

  • Connecting members so they can support each other

  • Helping members navigate our health system

  • Providing members with tickets to events and wellness escapes

  • Equipping members with information about treatment, support services and any other issues that may arise

Who are you running for?

One Australian under 40 is diagnosed with cancer every hour

Are you running for someone?

Do you know someone going through cancer? Have you had a cancer experience yourself? The high heel race is a great event to show your support. #sharethefeel. We are aiming to provide hope and support to every young adult with cancer in Australia.

The pain and grief of watching my brother, Warwick, die from cancer at 35 prompted me to find out more about support that was available for adults under 40 with cancer and their families. Sadly, there was none. I then founded The Warwick Cancer Foundation from the spare room at my home in 2007. Since then, I have been passionate about improving the cancer journey for all adults under 40 with cancer.

Today, I am proud that The Warwick Cancer Foundation offers world-class specialty programs, with enthusiastic volunteers and supporters, a sound governance structure, and an impressive Board of dedicated professionals. In 2013, membership grew an astronomical 250%, and we responded to over 1,200 calls for support from adults under 40 with cancer, their carers, social workers and oncology nurses. Evidence our programs provide comfort, support and empowerment to members that no other organisation offers.

We continue to support this fight, because we know from experience that this group faces unique challenges that no other organisation addresses

With no government funding and increasingly stretched resources, our programs can only run with the financial support we receive from our supporters – whether they be individuals, volunteers, or corporate partners. On behalf of our courageous members and their loved ones, I thank you for your support.

Samantha Lehmann