IN the last five years Robert Marcucci and his wife Anna (a staff member at The Senior) have attended five funerals for cancer victims.
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But it was Anna's own diagnosis of breast cancer and subsequent surgery; hard on the heel of his brother-in-law's terminal cancer diagnosis which spurred the 54-year-old to do something positive in the fight against the disease which wreaks havoc with the lives of so many people.
On March 26, Robert will join dozens of other cyclists on the Tour de Cure's Signature Tour 2020 from Newcastle in NSW to Noosa in the couple's home state Queensland.
It will be a gruelling nine-day, 1400km ride with a combined elevation of 14,000 metres, but Robert sees it as a chance to pay-it-forward after Anna's diagnosis and subsequent treatment, which included a double mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
Robert began riding as a child and has always enjoying pressing the pedals, riding on and off through the years.
However, since being accepted into the Tour de Cure he has pushed his training schedule up a notch riding five days a week and clocking up hundreds of kilometers in preparation for the big event. He is also a member of the Sunshine Coast Cycling Club.
"Anna's diagnosis was an extreme shock to both of us but almost everyone has been touched by cancer in one way or another," he said.
"Taking part in this ride is one way of contributing towards a cure."
Since it started in 2007, Tour de Cure has raised more than $52 million, funded 432 cancer projects and helped achieve 29 significant cancer breakthroughs, as well as raising awareness about cancer prevention to more than 125,000 Australian school children.
To learn more about Tour de Cure and find out how to join a event as a rider or a volunteer visit www.tourdecure.com.au
If you would like to support Robert's ride to outsmart cancer with a tax deductible donation click here or call him on 0416-230-520.
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