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Juani O'Reilly

Heartbreak to Hope Walk 2026

Support my challenge for kids facing cancer.

Every month in Australia, 90 children are diagnosed with cancer. 

For those families, their lives are changed forever. Cancer puts families under enormous pressure. It can feel like it’s impossible to hold it together.

This May, I am taking part in the Heartbreak to Hope Walk to raise funds for Redkite to provide emotional, financial and practical support and care to families facing childhood cancer.

Please sponsor me by making a donation to support my walk. 

Together, we can show these children and their families that they don't have to face cancer alone and support them as they face the toughest time of their lives.

Thank you.

My Activity Tracking

157
kms

My target 150 kms

Support my walk to help kids facing cancer

Raised

$12,139

My Goal

$12,000

Select amount to donate

$53
$106
$152
$304
$
Donate

My Achievements

My personal pledge to help kids facing cancer

Uploaded my profile picture to my page

Share my page on Facebook

Create a Facebook Fundraiser

Invite a Friend

Post on Dedication Wall

Raised $53 to provide a group support session for a family

Raised $152 to provide a counselling session for 1 child facing cancer

Raised $304 to provide counselling sessions for 2 children facing cancer

Raised $530 to provide group support sessions for 10 families

Raised $810 to keep the lights on and put food on the table

Raised $1000 to earn a place in the Hall of Fame

Logged my first kilometres

Achieved 25% of my KM goal

Achieved 50% of my KM goal

Reached my KM goal

My Updates

Final update - Heartbreak to Hope walk for Redkite

Monday 29th Jun
Firstly thank you so much for your messages of support and kindness. Well, well, well, I walked 157km in May for Redkite and beat my goal by 7 Km, woohoo.

  And more amazing news, on last count we had $11,562, can you guess how much we have in our RedKite bucket? Drum roll please we have an amazing $12,139 so we have reached our dollar goal with $139 extra, how good is that.  

You have melted my heart and made families facing childhood cancer, smile. Imagine what Redkite can achieve with what we have raised, you are changing lives.

That’s a wrap for this year, and I hope to see you all again next year.

Thanks a million and we stole the bronze medal LOL

4 June update, did we steal the bronze medal.? Read all about

Thursday 4th Jun
Hello family and friends, 

Well I’m very excited to advise , we had one very generous sponsor to my Heartbreak to Hope walk plus another seven YES SEVEN , donations to our RedKite bucket. 

So before I disclose the amount we have in our RedKite bucket, and where we are on the ladder, which I’m very excited about, I want to thank, scream out a thank you to Mel Screen ( you made me cry, thank you so much), Lesley Coulon, Susan Harwood ( 2nd donation, thank you ), Jodie Durrant, Libby and Paul Jetovic, Jane Hiatt, Dee Quigley, and Sally Anderson. Thank you, thank you , thank you

It’s been a hard gig, fundraising this year. 

But I’m so grateful to each and everyone that’s has donated. So what do we have in our RedKite bucket, drum roll please. $11,562. 
Awesome, can we make it $12,000. My fundraising page is open till the end of July.

HEY, we stole the bronze medal. Congratulations everyone. I’m so pleased, thank you for supporting me


1 June- my fundraising page is open till 30 June, let’s steal the bronze medal

Monday 1st Jun
Hello Family and Friends,

Freezing this morning but stunning sunny winters day in Canberra.

Well first I wanted to let you know my fundraising page is open till 30 June, woohoo, hopefully we will get more dollars in our RedKite bucket. Please help if you can, I am truly grateful as are the families you are helping.

Secondly I would like to express my thanks to those who donated to my Heartbreak to Hope walk and our RedKite bucket.

Big shout out of thanks to : Michelle Taylor and anonymous who added dollars to our RedKite bucket on 29 May. Then on 30 May Dian (Dee Cads) thank you, thank you, thank you.

And thirdly, wow, 31 May made me happy. We received several dollars in our RedKite bucket. Big shout of thanks to: Esme Bracken, Juanita Herbert ( yes my beautiful niece), Julia Herbert ( yes my  beautiful niece and yes my two nieces married two  brothers), John McFarlane, Gordon Williamson and Sally Cameron Stephens ( the best boss I’ve ever had), Jacky Luby, Simon Bartholomew ( all the way from Vietnam), and my beautiful sister in law, Kathryn and Peter Widddowson.

Fourthly,  I want to say I’m extremely thankful to Shaws and Partners for matching some of your donations during the month of May.

Finally I’m extremely thankful to have so many people support me, in my Heartbreak to Hope walk. Your messages of support and encouragement ( when the weather was revolting and I didn’t want to walk, just wanted to stay home and read my book), my walking buddies, thank you. 

Im blown away by all of your donations. Thank you all so much.

Just one last thing, we can steal bronze, we just need $110.

Hugs

28 May - Glad I didn’t have to carry his load on my Heartbreak to Hope

Thursday 28th May
Hello Family and friends, 

So pleased I have crossed the finish line as it was an unpleasant day in Canberra, overcast with some rain. And thank goodness I didn’t have to carry his load (check out pic) . I don’t think I could balance a fridge on a push bike.

Today, I had a rest day again, but we did get more dollars in our RedKite bucket, yippee. Big shout out of thanks to the anonymous sponsor, thank you, thank you, thank you.

Well sad news, we were 4th on the ladder and someone stole our place so we are now 5th on the ladder, dam, so want that bronze medal.

The long term costs of children with cancer are invisible. Out of pocket expenses for travelling , accommodation, parking and lost income, during your child’s treatment that continues for months, years. A child with cancer takes away your income, causes emotional stress, anxiety, depression, decreases your ability to apply for new job opportunities, promotions and your superannuation gets a huge hit. Not to mention the strain it places on marriages.

RedKite provides solutions for the whole family and I’m so thankful.

Well, it is definitely a tough fund raising environment and you all know I only ask you each, every year to support my Heartbreak to Hope to support the amazing work that RedKite does to support families with a child going through their cancer journey.

Well you have three days to add to our RedKite bucket. Look, folks we have a healthy amount in our RedKite bucket but we need to fill it, PLEASE. The last two years we got $15,000 in our RedKite bucket, I’ve dropped the bar to $10,000, but we aren’t there yet. And I’d love us to steal that bronze medal.

If you can help please do, thank you so much for supporting me. 

27 May - I crossed the finish, phew.

Wednesday 27th May
Hello family and friends,

I’ve crossed the finish and I’m grateful to my friends who joined me for a walk and for the words of encouragement from all of you.  THANK YOU

One donation to our RedKite bucket today, a big shout out of thanks to Bronwyn Kosman, who is a fellow alto singer in the choir. She left the following message: “ What a thoughtful walk you are doing.”

To add more dollars to our RedKite bucket, I’m trading my home grown feijoas for a donation to our RedKite bucket and have identified a buyer who has agreed to put some $s in our RedKite bucket. I asked this kind person for a donation to our RedKite bucket only to be informed he provides monthly donations, so as he loves feijoas, I hit him up for a donation for my  feijoas, that I share with him every year and he said yes, how good is that. 

Giving a gift to support RedKite, so they can continue to provide practical help with groceries and bills and that very first Red Bag at diagnosis. A blanket, soft toy and a quiet message for families    “You are not alone in this”. Thank you everyone for your generosity, kindness and support during my HEARTBREAK TO HOPE walk.

26 May- Rest day thanks to the rain

Tuesday 26th May
Hello family and friends,

Well Sage and Daisy are getting excited as the month is nearly over and they have given up their dog treats this month to support my Heartbreak to Hope walk and donated their treat money to our RedKite bucket.  Hope your folks spoil you both rotten with treats during June.

So I decided to have a rest day today as it has rained non stop.

Today I would like to express  my thanks to David Luke, Teresa Mitchell and an anonymous donor for putting more dollars in our RedKite bucket, wonderful stuff.  We still have 5 days to reach our dollar target. 

Well team member Rebecca has walked an amazing 157 kms and crossed the finish line.  Congratulations Rebecca, awesome job, considering your injury. So our team has walked an incredible 304 kms.  FUN FACT At a distance of 304 km from Canberra, you will find destinations like Orange or Parkes ( home to the famous radio telescope).

Huge amount of gratitude to all my family and friends who have put some $s in our RedKite bucket and I really appreciate all your support with my Hearbreak to Hope walk and our RedKite bucket. 

Only 5 days to go for us to reach our target, can you help, any amount would be gratefully received and then you don’t need to read my daily blogs, LOL. Getting very close to stealing the bronze medal, can we do? Can’t do it without you.

25 May, big giving day, and I’m so happy

Monday 25th May
Hello family and friends,

Absolute stunning day in Canberra today, blue skies, a few clouds but the sun was shinning brightly and I’m grateful.

Crazy busy day, pottered in the garden, which I love, but those weeds,  be gone.

This morning I cooked double chocolate muffins for two cheeky and beautiful scallywags, my great nieces, Elle and Bo.

Dropped the double chocolate muffins over to their house this afternoon., after school. I asked for scores out of ten, Bo gave me 8 of 10, that’s pretty good. Elle gave me a gold star 10 out of 10. I better make them again.

Well I’m very pleased and excited to let you know, we got seven, yes seven, woohoo donations to our RedKite bucket today. It ends soon so if you can please sponsor my walk, I’d love to see our RedKite bucket over flowing.

So I wish to shout out a big THANK YOU to : some of the wonderful ladies that I sing with, in the choir that brings me so much joy.  Barb Jackson, Carolyn Franc, Jenny Chapman and Jacky Luby, thank you , thank you , thank you.

Also want to scream out to thank : Anonymous, Judy Farrell, Jo Bauer, Ian Houghton and  me,  YES ME ( my third donation).

I’m tired, I’m hoping not to walk tomorrow but I want to cross that finish as soon as possible.



24 May more dollars in our REDKITE bucket, hooray

Sunday 24th May
Hello family and friends,

Overcast and miserable day in Canberra today.  But I must say Canberra is beautiful at this time of year, with the leaves changing their colours, so not all gloom.

I walked with my friend Glenn this morning and did a short walk this afternoon, clocked up 9kms today, so that finish is very close now, thank goodness as I haven’t been very motivated to walk. I’m blaming it on the weather.

Well I’m very pleased to let you all know we have more dollars in our RedKite bucket, got to be happy with that.

A big shout out of thanks to Karleen Holgate ( my buddy in the Solomon Islands) and another Anonymous contribution. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are putting smiles on sick kids faces. Thanks a million.

And very exciting news we are closer to stealing the bronze medal.  We are now in 4th place, how good is that, but we only have till the end of the month to get that bronze medal and I can’t do it without.

Remember the tax man will come knocking shortly and all donations are a tax deduction, so please if you can add to our RedKite bucket, that would be awesome.

Please support my Heartbreak to Hope walk so Redkite can continue their vital work in assisting families who have a child with cancer, Redkite do an amazing job and they need our help. 

Thanks everyone, for your encouragement, some of you walk with me and most importantly donating to our RedKite bucket. 

Enjoy your evening

23 May, another 5kms done and more donations- yippee

Saturday 23rd May
Hello family and friends,

Managed 5kms today and I can now see the finish line yippee. I want a rest day, maybe Monday or Tuesday.

Big shout out today to thank those who added to our RedKite bucket. 

Muchas gracias Inés y Oscar por tu generosidad.

 Thank you Todd Brown and Ingrid Kuster, I’m most grateful for your donations to our RedKite bucket so family’s who have a child with cancer can receive support from RedKite. .

We are getting close to our target for our RedKite bucket, but we are not there yet. Only a week to go and I still want that bronze medal. Can you help?

Let’s bring a smile to kids in need.

Lace up your shoes and come walk with me, support my walk by making a donation to our RedKite bucket or share my page.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

22 May - how far have I walked? How much do we have in our RedKite Bucket? Read all about

Saturday 23rd May
Hello family and friends,

Beautiful day in Canberra. I walked 5km with Chuti and she loved the smells.

Big shout out today to Ali Buck and me (my 2nd donation). Thanks for putting funds in our RedKite bucket.

Well I’ve walked 129km, phew so only 21km to go, yippee.

I haven’t reached my target for our RedKite bucket, yet.  But I do have good news, we are closer to the bronze medal,. We have stolen 5th place, not bad.  And I know you all want to know how much we have in our RedKite bucket, drum roll please we have $7,628, but I’d love to reach my target, if you could put some dollars in our REDKITE bucket that would be awesome. We need to ensure REDKITE can continue their vital work helping families who have a child with cancer.

PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN 

21 May we are already making such a meaningful difference, yippee

Thursday 21st May
Hello Family and friends,
  
I walked 5kms today with the gorgeous girl, Chuti, yes I had to carry her part of the. way, but my goodness did  she love the smells and did I get kisses.

Can’t wait to walk across that finish line, not far now.

Big shout out today to our wonderful sponsors who added dollars to our RedKite bucket. Big shout out of thanks to Brian and Leone (prang gang days, I remember), Matt McDonald ( my very handsome nephew), Dean Martin ( my buddy from Disaster Relief Australia) and Molly Frichot ( Timor Leste days).

I’ve had lots of encouraging messages that I want to share.

“ You are an inspiration and always giving to the community “ THANK YOU

“Get those steps up” I SHALL WITH YOUR HELP

“ Well done Juani, left. right, left, right, left ( you make me laugh).

“ You do good things Juani, thank you.

Wonderful messages of encouragement, thank you, but I can’t do it without your help.

We are 6th on the leaders board, but we can sneak to 5th, we just need a $85 donation, any offers

I would be most grateful as would families who need help from Redkite. 

$85, anyone, going once, going twice? 


20 May - the sun came out today, yippee

Wednesday 20th May
Hello Family and Friends 

So happy the sun came out to day after a few days of rain.

Well no donations today to our RedKite bucket. ( disappointed) We have $7263 in our RedKite bucket, thank you sponsors, that is awesome, we reached $15, 000 last year, can we do it again, I reckon, but not without you.

 I’m feeling someone will add to our bucket tomorrow.

Well, we are 6th on the ladder, I reckon we can get to 5th , I just need another $270. Can we do this ? I’m hoping and praying 

Thanks very much reading our latest update

Sleep well and support my Heartbreak to Hope walk if you can

19 May - Are we there yet? No

Tuesday 19th May
Hello family friends,

Miserable day in Canberra. Overcast and raining. Who is happy, my garden and water tank they are smiling. But I’m not. 

Well today I managed a 5km walk with my trusty umbrella as my walking partner.  I really didn’t want to venture out today,  I thought of those children undergoing treatment and knew I must for them. 

Today I would like to shout out to my sponsors who have put dollars in our RedKite bucket. Shout out of thanks to: Nada Kristin, Ruth Swan , Julie Jones, David Coombe ( and he shared my fund raising page with his friends , thank you ), Greg Ranse and Jan Aitken.

Well I’m hoping we can fill our RedKite bucket. We managed to get lots more in our RedKite bucket in the last two years. Really hoping we can do it again.

I’m still 6th on the ladder, let’s go for the bronze medal, can’t do it without you. I want that bronze medal. 

Message from sponsor today that I had to share. “ Go Juani. You have a wonderful heart and this is a great cause. Wear your most comfortable shoes. Good advise, love ya girlfriend 

Gotta love your buddies

Going to put my feet up, if you can add some dollars to our RedKite bucket, that would put a smile on my face.

Let’s hope it is not raining tomorrow 

Thanks 


18 May , walked 5km but I need motivation please

Monday 18th May
Hello Family and Friends,

Feeling exhausted, but I did steal Chuti this afternoon and we had fun. It was  crap day, overcast and spitting most of the day. Garden  is smiling, but our RetKite bucket is not.

A  big shout out to Eliza Cloherty from Tassie for her very generous donation to our Redkite bucket, . Love you. 

I walked 5km today, but the finish line is miles away. Please help, help fill our Redkite bucke,k,  I can’t do it with you. 

Please help if you can. This is the only time, each year I will ask for your help. Please sponsor my walk if you can, thank you

Thank you. RedKite bucket needs more dollars in their bucket to help  families who have a child with cancer. 


17 May- we all come in different shapes and sizes, why must we buy perfect vegetables?

Sunday 17th May
Hello family and friends,

Well firstly I must share family exciting news. My awesome sister, ran in the Canberra half marathon today. My sis is 70 and won her age group. I’m so proud, congratulations Maria O’Reilly, she takes after mama.

Today big shout out of thanks to Karen Sutherland, Maria O’Reilly and Lu Vizard ( my running buddy for a million years)  for your contributions to our RedKite bucket. Alas it’s still half full.

And thanks Anne Costello for the imperfect carrots, just like me. Why do shops only sell perfect fruit and veggies? 

Thanks for reading the update, please like.

And it is raining and the garden will be smiling tomorrow. Alas our RedKite bucket isn’t smiling. Can you help, I’m hoping

16 May - “ If there is life, there is hope” ( Stephen Hawking) Latest update, read all about

Saturday 16th May
Hello Family and friends,

I managed 10km today so only 53km to go. Not very motivated for walking, just want to potter in my garden.

Good news we got two donations today, and our Redkite bucket is about half full. Big shout out of thanks to my dear Professor friend, Jenny Fleming, all the way from England ( I gave her the nickname the witch in the wardrobe, it’s a long story LOL). Our 2nd donation today was from an anonymous person, and that person is sponsoring me $2 for every Km I walk, yes we got $319 donation in our Redkite bucket and I’m very happy. Thanks to both of you for putting funds in our Redkite bucket to help Redkite support families who have a child with cancer.

Don’t forget tax time, best to donate to our Redkite bucket, than give it to the taxman.

Put the slower cooker on this morning and it smells delicious. 

Hope you have a pleasant night. I’m off to put my feet up.

Thank you, each and everyone they has put $s in our Redkite bucket, I’m truly thankful

I have interesting news to share, read all about it!

Friday 15th May
Hello Family and friends,

Some good and bad news today. 

I walked 7kms today, some of it with my beautiful friend Carita, thanks for joining me, great catching up and sharing a coffee . 

I would like to express my thanks to those who today, donated to my Heartbreak to Hope walk and to our RedKite bucket. Big shout out today to Karen P Sutherland, Harry Haines and Jamie Bellicanta, thank you, thank you, thank you for your kindness and generosity

 Alas I haven’t reach my $ target for our RedKite bucket yet, but I’m hoping. Folks, I’m 6th on the individual leaders board, and as you would all know , I’m a little bit competitive and would love to steal 3rd place , I reckon we deserve a bronze medal. I’m hoping, please help if you can, any amount would be lovely. Remember “From little things big things grow.” And all we want is to grow our RedKite bucket.

Other exciting news, team member Rebecca is back in Oz after an amazing trip exploring the UK. And, drum roll please, she has walked 100kms, woohoo, congratulations Rebecca and thanks for joining Team Elle. Well, guess how far, to date, Team Elle have walked? Any guesses? A whooping 188kms. So we could be in Cowra right now or in Huskisson, on the shore of Jervis Bay, that would be pleasant as the weather in Canberra today was not the best. Denise Lord, we could have popped in for a coffee LOL.

And the sad news today is my dear friends David and Sue Black lost their beautiful fur baby, Clancy. He was such a dear soul. Loved him very much. He would come to Canberra for holidays and we would have fun together whilst his parents were away or I would have a holiday with him up north whilst his parents were away. Beautiful, cute, loving boy. I will miss you Clancy, very much. I loved spending time with you, you were easy to walk and fun to be around.  Hugs to Sue and Dave.

Thanks for reading, enjoy your weekend. 

Please 🙏 donate to your Redkite bucket.

Thank you

14 May - You’ll never walk alone with Redkite by your side. Read the latest news

Thursday 14th May
Hello family and friends,

Well, having committed to walk 150kms rather than 100kms
 ( thanks to the generous sponsors topping up our RedKite bucked). I  have AGAIN reached 50% of my km goal. Woohoo. To date I have walked 80kms, I managed 5kms before my Spanish class this morning and 5kms after lunch. So I am pleased to announce I’ve reached 80km, only another 70 to go, oh my.

Well Daisy and Sage promised to walk with me this morning and their mum (Kim Whitman) sent me a photo of them, all dressed up and ready to go. By the time I laced up my shoes they were fast asleep on their mum’s bed (huff). 

Big shout out today to thank Joe Pelle ( I met him when I was 16 years old at Hawker College and for 49 years, yes 49, he has sent me a birthday card on my birthday). And today I’m excited to announce we got our second donation from my lovely next door neighbours, Yvonne and Alwyn Paull. Happy to receive first, second or third donations to fill our RedKite bucket. 

The song “ You’ll never walk alone, the iconic and motto of the Liverpool Football Club is also the motto of the University of the Third Age Concordia Choir of which I am a member., yes I love to sing. ( reckon a lot of you wouldn’t know that). We are currently rehearsing for a performance in mid June at Retirement Village in Page and yesterday we practiced that song, it’s not perfect yet, but very close. The song is a sweeping anthem of hope and resilience. It signifies solidarity, togetherness and unwavering support. It made me realise that Redkite ensures all families who have a child suffering from cancer will never walk alone. RedKite will be by their side. But Redkite can’t do it without your support so please, walk with me on my Heartbreak to Hope Walk, share my fund raising page with your family and friends and best of all let’s get more $s in our RedKite bucket so they can continue their work. We have $5,818 in our bucket, can we make it $6,000?

I’ll finish with the lyrics of this wonderful  song

Here are the lyrics to the classic song "You'll Never Walk Alone," famously covered by Gerry and The Pacemakers: 

When you walk through a storm
Hold your head up high
And don't be afraid of the dark
At the end of a storm
There's a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a lark
Walk on through the wind
Walk on through the rain
For your dreams be tossed and blown
Walk on, walk on
With hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk alone

Walk on, walk on
With hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk alone
Background:
  • Original Source: The song was written by Rodgers and Hammerstein for their 1945 musical Carousel.

Thanks everyone . Hey Daisy and Sage I walking with Chuti tomorrow , heheh. Hope you are jealous

Crazy day, no Kms but more $s in our RedKite bucket, so I walking 150kms

Thursday 14th May
Hello family and friends,

Crazy mad busy day, how does that happen in retirement. No kms walked today. But $s placed in our RedKite bucket so I’m now walking 150 km this month, as promised, so I better pull my finger out as they say. I must be mad. 

Big shout out to Waseem Nawaz, Leesa Hallissy, John Jeffery, Shona Stilwell ( all the way from NZ), Karen Lucas, Ray Dingli ( all the way from Malta) and Mali Wijesundara ( my wonderful neighbour and mama to Chuti) thank you, thank you, thank you for adding to our RedKite bucket so they can ensure no family that has a child with cancer will ever walk alone.

Many thanks for your good wishes during this month. Today I wanted to share two of those.

One lovely sponsor called me “You’re a good egg” thank goodness I’m not a bad, smelly one. LOL

“Hi Juani, Happy to support such a meaningful cause. You are courageous, loving family member, not by blood, by love. Wishing strength, hope and brighter days for all the kids and families supported through Redkite.” 

Feeling blessed. Thanks to Shona and Mali for sharing my fund raising page. 

And I agree, we all, hope for brighter days for all kids and their families supported through RedKite, but that can only happen with your kind generous support to our RedKite bucket, so they can continue their vital work

Can’t thank you enough for your donations to our RedKite bucket and for your encouragement and support for my Heartbreak to Hope walk.

Thank you so much

That finish line is getting closer, 30 kms to go

Tuesday 12th May
Hello family and friends,

Well I’m pleased to announce I’m getting close to crossing the finishing line, 30 kms to go.

Well there has been some serious fundraising happening. Congratulations to Team Milo, they have $33, 968 for their Redkite bucket, awesome work.

Work place team in first position is RedKite with $22,725 , woohoo, well done team.

Fabulous to see these fundings coming in to support the vital work of Redkite so they can support families who have a child diagnosed with cancer.

So how is our RedKite bucket , mmm. 

Big shout out today to Kerry Morrison, Denis Lord , Jo Innes and Judy Neilands for putting $s in our RedKite bucket. Thank you, thank you, thank you. 

We have jumped to 8th on the individual leaderboard, yippee, can we make it into the top three? ( I’m hoping and praying). Can’t do it without YOU ! 

I’ve walked 70 kms thus far, we have $5,030 in our RedKite bucket.

If you can put a few bucks in our RedKite bucket I’ll stretch my finish line to 150km.  Need your support to do that. Please if you can add $s to our RedKite bucket, you will make me smile 😊 and imagine the joy you will bring to a family that has a child suffering from cancer.

Thank you
PS Anyone want to lace up their shoes and join me for a walk this week? Daisy? Sage? Chuti?  Pammy? Any human friends ?




11 May and nobody laced up their shoes

Monday 11th May
Hello family and friends,

Well nobody laced up their shoes, so I decided to have a rest day.

Today I would like to express my thanks to Wayne Crumblin and Jen and Dale Small.

We are 9th on the ladder board and it would be great to get further up the ladder. So please sponsor me now, if you can, I would be most grateful as would the families you are supporting.

Don’t forget tax time is just around the corner and all donations are a tax deduction.

Thanks

10 May - Once your choose hope, anything is possible ( Christopher Reeves)

Sunday 10th May
Hello family and friends,

Another fresh morning, walked alone, listening to ABC conversations podcast, very interesting one about the volcano explosion on White Island in NZ.

So I wasn’t very motivated today but did manage 5.5kms.  

And I’m excited to advise we got more $s in our RedKite bucket, woohoo. Alas haven’t reached my goal. But a big shout out to Zena and Paul Whitman, Mel Green, Carita Konrad, Ian Corey and the lovely Jane ( no surname). Thank you, thank you, thank you.

To all who have donated, and I do hope more will, I’m not only grateful for your kindness and generosity, your support for my Heartbreak to Hope walk means a lot to me, it lets me know, you love and care for me and are supporting families going through hell, and it Mother’s Day. Thank you so much. 

 You are all amazing individuals whom are filling our RedKite bucket  to ensure RedKite can help families who have a child with cancer.

LETS FILL OUR REDKITE BUCKET TILL ITS OVERFLOWING, please.

Thank you everyone for your support, good wishes. 

Um, who is lacing up their shoes tomorrow and joining me for a walk? 


9 May, cold and foggy on my Heartbreak to Hope walk this morning

Saturday 9th May
Hello Family and friends,

Another cold morning with fog about. I walked with Glenn this morning.

And best of all, the donations are rolling in slowly. So a big shout out to those who added $s to our RedKite bucket so they can continue their vital work assisting families facing childhood cancer. I can’t imagine how hard it must be. 

And now I wish to express my thanks to those who donated to my Heartbreak to Hope walk. Big shout out to : Chris Hyland, Josie O’Reilly ( yes my beautiful niece all the way from Hong Kong), Rob Rota, Mark Smith, Kathleen Carnell, Cath Grassick, Mark Kennedy, Sarah Groves and Sirpa Fromm. Thank you, thank you, thank you. 

And thank you for the encouraging messages. One left today “ Sending lots of love for such an import cause”. Couldn’t agree more, so please if you can help please donate.

I walked 7.5kms today in the cold, huff, but the sun did come out later in the morning and it was a stunning Canberra day.  I’ve clocked up 65.5 kms, so a while till I get to the finish line.  Still haven’t reached my $ target but we have $4,174 in our RedKite bucket, so please help if you can, every little bit helps.

Remember, walk with me, add $s into our RedKite bucket or share my fund raising page with your family and friends.

Thank you so much for your generosity to date, because of YOU a family facing childhood cancer can get through their darkest days.  Big hugs

8 May We got some more $s in our RetKite bucket YIPPEE

Friday 8th May
Hello family and friends

Well yesterday was a good day indeed, with all donations being matched. I am extremely thankful to Shaw and Partners for matching your donations yesterday and doubling the impact of your generosity.

And now I would like to express my thanks to those who donated yesterday and today to our Heartbreak to Hope walk and our RedKite bucket. Big shout to: Louise McDonough, Anne Hazel, Anne McEvoy, Deb Parish, Elaine Perry, Ann Ertzen, Yvonne Paul, Nancy Clarke, Tarquin Beresford-Wylie, Sally Stephens, Chris McKay, Dom Bakker and me .

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all who have donated to our RedKite bucket.

Yesterday I walked 6.6kms ( thank you Leanne) and today I walked 7.3 ( thank you Barry). So I have clocked up 50.6km of my 100km.  And it’s been freezing in Canberra, the wind is bitter.

Happy to increase my walking target but I need motivation, $s in our RedKite bucket as we have not yet reached our $ target. Any guesses how much we have in our RedKite bucket? Not enough I say, please donate or come walk with me. 

Thank you so much for your generous donations to RedKite who will help families tackling the trauma and financial burden of a child’s cancer. 

7 May ALL DONATIONS WILL BE DOUBLED - TODAY ONLY

Thursday 7th May
Please help fill our RedKite bucket

6 May Double donation day tomorrow from 8am for all online donations. Will be matched up to 100k

Wednesday 6th May
Woohoo I’m excited double donation day tomorrow from 0800. All on line donations will be match, yes we will double our impact, up to $100k, so please get in early so we can fill our RedKite bucket so they can assist families with a child diagnosed with cancer.  

I managed 6.5 kms today. 

Well for those of you who don’t live in Canberra or no longer live in Canberra,  winter will hit tonight. Minus one tonight and a top of 12 tomorrow. Who is joining me on my morning walk? Brrrr

Please donate to our RedKite bucket would love to meet my $$ target, thanks family and friends

5 May - can’t do this without

Tuesday 5th May
Hello family and friends, 

“ Hope is being able to see that there is light, despite all the darkness. “ ( Desmond Tutu) Can you help me bring hope to families who has a child diagnosed with cancer?

Well no donations to our RedKite bucket today, but I laced up my shoes and walked 8kms. So 70 kms till I reach the finish line.

Mmm, I could be encouraged to increase my Heartbreak  to Hope walking goal from 100kms to 150km but I would need a lot of encouragement.  $$$ in our RedKite bucket please.

And I do have a challenge ahead, haven’t reached my $ goal. I can’t do this without you. Remember tax time is just around the corner and all donations are a tax deduction. Rather than giving your hard earned $ to the tax man, put it in our RedKite bucket and together we can show these children and their families, that they don’t have to face cancer alone and support them as they face the toughest journey of their lives

4 May - No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wastes (Aesop)

Tuesday 5th May
Hello family and friends,
It was a miserable day in Canberra, wet and cold and I was feeling miserable with a headache, went to bed at 7.30pm but feeling much better today. I managed  3kms so I have so far walked 22km with only 78km to go., in my Heartbreak to Hope walk. I better  lace up those shoes.

No specialised paediatric oncology unit in Canberra, seriously, oh the stress and costs to families who have a child diagnosed with cancer.  We have $1,698 in our Red Kite bucket, would be grateful to reach my target of $2,500. So please sponsor me now if you can, I would be most grateful as would the families you are supporting. Let’s bring smiles to kids in need.

3 May, lazy day

Sunday 3rd May
Hello family and friends, I  was a slack arse  today, walked 4km today, busy cooking, I love cooking., made lunch for Pammy and her mum. Lovely. Lunch

Big shout out to Kerrie and Rick Bawden who contributed to our Redkite bucket, but I haven’t met my target. Please walk with me, add to my Redkite bucket please..

We have $1698 in our RedKite bucket , can we make it $2500


2nd post for 2nd of May , my goodness I’m in tears, $$s in our REDKITE bucket

Saturday 2nd May
Well there was no $$$$ in my Redkite bucket today, but someone, just added $500 to our Redkite bucket, I’m overwhelmed by their generosity and they have made me cry.  And I don’t know who you are, but I cannot thank you enough for making sure Redkite can continue there vital work to support families who have a child diagnosed with cancer. The cancer trip is horrible as an adult, can’t imagine it as a child. Thank you so much. Big hugs, I’m so grateful 

2nd May - Redkite your support was life changing Katie says

Saturday 2nd May
Hello family and friends,

Another beautiful day in Canberra, the colours are awesome. I surprised myself today, I walked 8.15kms and my right toes were annoying. Alas no $$$s in our RedKite bucket but still hoping to make my $$$ target.

Just in case anyone meant to add $$$ to our RedKite bucket but forgot, just click on the link.

I’m cooking Sri Lankan fish cutlets and chick pea curry for lunch tomorrow as Laura is coming tomorrow with Pammy and I’m excited, first time Pammy will visit my home. Will share photo tomorrow 

Please donate if you can. With much love Tia Juani

1st May - Thank you sponsors, your support will change lives !

Friday 1st May

Hello Family and Friends, 

Well it has been a delightful day, perfect day, weather wise in Canberra, a little fresh this morning but beautiful sunny day with the leaves dropping and changing colour. Love this time of year.

And I’m excited, day 1 of the “Heartbreak to Hope” walk, even with some sore toes on my right foot ( not limping anymore and no broken bones and NO don’t ask, tripped on a garden vine that tried to strangle my foot, but I escaped) , I managed 3 kms this morning but missed my walking buddy Anne Hazel . This afternoon I walked with Chuti, oh my she loved the smells. So I managed 7kms today.

I am most pleased to let you know we have $1,085 in our RedKite bucket to help kids facing cancer. 


Big shout out of thanks to these kind and generous sponsors: Marilyn Steele, Jarrett and Laura Blaustein ( maybe Miss Pammy could give up her treats for the month like Sage and Daisy LOL), Marty Leonard, Dave McRae, Lynne and Jake O’Callaghan, Julie Ayling, Rosy and Jon Brand. 


We are making a difference to families facing the trauma of childhood cancer and they won’t have to face it alone. Every $ raised helps RedKite be there for families when they most need it.

 I’ve unlocked a new badge, yippee



Hope Hero


HELP ME TO Keep the momentum going...PLEASE

Thanks family and friends, please donate to our RedKite bucket or join me for a walk.


Thanks everyone 

It starts tomorrow! HELP

Thursday 30th Apr

Hi Juani

Your 100km walk STARTS TOMORROW! 😍

Thank you so much for being a part of our movement to support kids with cancer and their families.

Over 1,090 families will hear the heartbreaking words 'your child has cancer' this year.

But the impact YOU are making will help create a brighter future for these kids, supporting them and their families as they navigate one of the toughest times in their lives.

Behind every kilometre you walk this May, there's a face, a family and a story.



Two more sleeps, till I commence my 100km walk for Heartbreak to Hope

Wednesday 29th Apr

A cancer diagnosis can turn a child’s world upside down overnight.

Florence was just one year old when she was diagnosed with a 14 cm Wilms tumour. 

Her mum, Samantha, had just been made redundant, and her dad, Luke, had to stop work to care for Florence and their newborn son, Oliver.

With no income, the family faced overwhelming stress and financial strain. But thanks to Redkite supporters, they were able to stay afloat and focus on what mattered most – Florence.


Please walk with me or donate. Thank you

It’s nearly time - my 100kms walk starts Friday

Tuesday 28th Apr
As I power towards my 100kms goal, I am grateful to know there are 1,877 other Australians, lacing up their shoes to walk with me.

Because every year, at least  1,080 Australian families will hear the heartbreaking words ‘ Your child has cancer’. And now we need to show these families and their kids they are NOT alone.

So I’m getting ready and I need your help. Please walk with me or donate. Even better do both

Giving up our dog treats to support Juani in her Heartbreak to Hope Walk

Monday 20th Apr
Have you met my beautiful girlfriends, Sage and Daisy Whitman? They have decided to forgo their treats next month and have generously sponsored me on my Heartbreak to Hope walk, how good is that.!!! And the bonus is they are visiting me this weekend, woohoo, can’t wait to spend time with them, but don’t tell Chuti. 

We have $760 in our Heartbreak to Hope, Redkite bucket. Please help a family facing childhood cancer get through their darkest days.  

Thank you very much Sage and Daisy, I will have special treats for you this weekend.

Please support my Heartbreak to Hope walk so we can ensure Redkite continue with their vital work

Monday 20th Apr
Cancer often brings extra costs at the same time income drops, which can make money feel tight very quickly. We know that making a new budget may seem time consuming or stressful on your own. If you’d like support getting started, give us a call on 1800 733 548. 

Please donate at the link below

https://www.heartbreaktohopewalk.org.au/fundraisers/juanioreilly


#ChildrensCancer #ChildhoodCancer #Redkite

Redkite Heartbreak to Hope walk

Thursday 16th Apr
Please donate if you can, hope this link works.

https://www.heartbreaktohopewalk.org.au/fundraisers/juanioreilly

Well the count down is on

Tuesday 7th Apr
Only 23 days till I start my Heartbreak to Hope walk to raise funds for RedKite. Yes I’m in training and hoping Daisy has good walking manners now and will join me.

 But really need more team members, any takers, wishing to raise funds for families that have a child facing cancer. If you can help please. 

When a child is diagnosed with cancer it affects the whole family.  Every day in Australia, 3 families will hear the words  “your child has cancer. I can’t imagine that. My cáncer journey was horrible and i can’t imagine a child going through what I did.

Friends , once a year,   I ask for your support for my Heartbreak to Hope walk

Please hit me up with a donation in May if you can 

Donate here

https://www.heartbreaktohopewalk.org.au/fundraisers/juanioreilly

Great News Team Elle has a new team member

Sunday 5th Apr
Big shout out to my dear friend Rebecca Forge who has committed to walk 200kms (crazy woman) in the Red Kite, Heartbreak to Hope challenge. She hopes very much to reaching her fund raising target of $2,500. Welcome abonare.

Any other friends want to join Team Elle and help raise funds for families who have a child facing a cancer diagnosis? 


You can donate here

https://www.heartbreaktohopewalk.org.au/fundraisers/juanioreilly

I know Pumpkin Head has made life tough for many, but if you can help that would be wonderful

Thank you to my Sponsors

$500

Anonymous

Bless you ! Walk on!

$416

Anon

$318.90

Anonymous

$267.25

Hanoi Kid

Fantastic achievement, Juani!

$267.25

Marilyn Steele

You are such a wonderful person and friend !

$215

Anonymous

$215

Eliza C

Sorry I am slow on this one - more than happy to support!

$211

L + J

From Jarrett and Laura

$210.20

Gordon And Sally

$164.86

Sally Stephens

Good luck Juani

$164.86

Matched Donation

$164.86

Kathryn And Peter Widdowson

So well done , Juani. Congratulations on your fantastic walk and fundraising .

$164.86

Paul And Libby

Another incredible year of raising funds for such a worthy cause. Congratulations Juani!

$164.86

David Luke

Great work Juani!

$164.86

Ines Y Oscar Florez

Buena suerte en tu caminata. Estamos seguros que completaras tu meta por esta bella causa.

$164.86

Karen Lucas

$161.21

Jodie Durrant

$152

Julie A

$112.49

Gail Freeman

Congratulations

$112.49

Wasim

Well done Juani for this

$112.49

Anonymous

Keep doing what you’re doing. You are inspirational

$112.49

Anne Hazell

$112.49

Ian Corey

You are a good hearted sole. Well done on the job

$112.49

Maria O’reilly

Bien hecho Juani

$112.49

Eee

Well done Juani

$112.49

Matched Donation

$112.49

Dave

Go Juani

$112.49

Judi

Fantastic. Keep running. I'm with you in spirit.

$112.49

Yvonne & Alwyn

Go Team Juani. Almost there. 🫶

$112.49

Wayne Crumblin

Great effort Juani

$112.49

Chris Mckay

$112.49

Matched Donation

$112.49

Nancy

Great work Juani

$112.49

Matched Donation

$112.49

Kerrie And Rick

Go Juani

$112.49

Anonymous

Keep up the good walk

$112.49

Headbone

A great cause Dear! Keep on walking.

$112.49

Robert Rota

Good on you Juani. Great cause.

$112.49

Janet Aitken

Hope this helps

$112.49

Greg Ranse

$112.49

Michelle

Well done to one of the most generous people I know and the rough all your own challenges you keep giving. Love michelle

$112.49

Ingrid

Well done Juani. A great cause.

$112.49

Anonymous

Well done Champion !!

$112.49

Margaret Hyland

What a wonderful effort Juani, you are amazing. Margaret

$112.49

Walsa Fox

Well done on your efforts so far! Wonderful!

$109.94

Anonymous

$106.12

Tim Chambers

$106

Mel Green

Keep walking girl! Good onya!

$106

Juani O'reilly

$106

Dian S

$100

Giuseppe Pelle

More strength yo you, dear Juani!

$100

John Mcfarlane

$100

Todd Brown

Good work

$100

Ann Mcevoy

Good luck Juani

$100

Kerry Morrison

$100

Karen Boreham

$65.39

Sarah Groves

Fantastic effort Juani what a great thing to do!

$58.02

Sage 🫶🏽 & Daisy 🌼

Sage & Daisy have donated their treat money for the month! Go Team! 🫶🏽

$58.02

Carita Konrad

Great effort Juani.

$58.02

Zena & Paul Whitman

$58.02

Carolyn Frame

$58.02

Jenny Chapman

Wonderful effort Juani. Very proud of you !!!!!

$58.02

Jo-anne Bauer

$58.02

Lynjake Ocallaghan

Go juani

$58.02

Karen Sutherland

$58.02

Mark Coppin

Great to help Juani

$58.02

Dominic Bakker

Here you go, Juani. Happy hiking 😊

$58.02

Louise Vizard

You do good things Juani. Thank you.

$58.02

Ann Ertzen

Good luck Juani - you're a hero!

$58.02

Matched Donation

$58.02

Anonymous

Go Juani!

$58.02

Brian And Leone Dunn

Great job Juani. Well done.

$58.02

Tarquin Beresford-wylie

$58.02

Matched Donation

$58.02

Louise And Paul

What a wonderful cause Juani - you go girl! Louise and Paul xxx

$58.02

Jan

Hi Juani - Good luck with this!! Jan GW

$58.02

Juanita Mcdonald

$58.02

Susan

Nearly there!!

$58.02

Jane

Such a worthy cause and a mighty goal. All the best Juani!!!!

$58.02

Susan

Go Team Juani!

$58.02

Martin Leonard

$58.02

Ruth Swan

Go Juani, You have a wonderful heart and this is a great cause. Wear your most comfortable walking shoes 😘

$58.02

Yvonne Paull

Juani you are an outstanding role model. Go Juani!

$58.02

Matched Donation

$58.02

A Fellow Alto :-)

What a thoughtful walk you are doing.

$58.02

Delia Quigley

Best wishes

$58.02

Jo Innes

Fabulous Juani!! 🤗

$58.02

Kathleen Carnell

You go girlfriend!

$58.02

Julia

Go Juani you superstar!!

$58.02

Mark Smith

Love your resolve

$58.02

Judith Neilands

Power on!

$58.02

Michael Richardson

$58.02

Sue M - Choir Buddy

$58.02

John Jeffery

$58.02

Jenny Fleming

$58.02

Karleen Holgate

Keep on walking and keep on smiling 😃

$57.30

Rosy & Jon

Another year of impact, congratulations legend!

$56.75

Anonymous

Go you good thing! xx

$56.75

Isa Bartkowiak

$54.84

Leah & Hugo

Amazing effort Juani - well done!!

$54.84

Susan And David

You are amazing Juani!

$54.84

Dale & Jennifer Small

Best wishes Juani, hope all is going well for you

$54.84

Josie O’reilly

Sending lots of love for such an important cause.

$54.84

Bella

Well done. Great work one-eye

$54.84

Mali Wijesundara

Hi Juani, Happy to support such a meaningful cause. ❤️ You are a courageous, loving and caring family, not by blood but by love. Wishing strength, hope, and brighter days for all the kids and families supported through Red Kite.

$53

Deb Parish

Go girl 👏👏👏

$53

Matched Donation

$53

Juani O'reilly

$53

Cameron Harris

$53

Juani O’reilly

$53

Matched Donation

$53

Nada Krstin

$50

Esme Bracken

$50

Sally

Great job Juani and team

$50

Shona Stilwell

Go girl! Such an inspiration.

$44.71

Lesa Hallissy

Go you good thing xoxo

$33.87

Matthew Mcdonald

Get those steps up Juani!

$33.87

Ian Houghton

$33.87

Raphael Dingli

Well done !!

$28.43

Julie Jones

$28.43

Anonymous

$25

Juani O'reilly

$23.50

Barb Jackson

Good on you Juani!

$23.50

Anonymous

Hi Juani, happy to be in to support. Kind regards Jane

$23.50

Dean Martin

Well done Waurni Left, Right, Left, Right, Left…..

$23.50

Teresa

Good luck so proud of you

$23.50

Ali B

$23.50

Chris

Go you good thing Juanita x

$23.50

Sirps

$23.50

Anonymous

Hurray Juani!

$23.02

Dave

Awesome job Juani. Keep it up, I'm very impressed xx

$20

Molly Frichot

Well done 👏

$20

Cath Grassick

Good work Juani!

$17.66

Anonymous

$11.80

Lesley

$11.80

Karen P Sutherland

You are an inspiration and always giving back to the community.

$10

Jacalyn Luby

Our Team

I am walking 150km for kids facing cancer