Nothing is possible without funding
Having watched the work of Dr Geoff McCowage, Alana’s oncologist and leading children’s cancer researcher, Jake is intensely aware of the need for greater funding for research arounds kids’ cancers.
To become a part of the solution, Jake organised a Guinness World Record attempt as well as a jet-ski trek from Long Reef Beach in Sydney to Agnes Water in Queensland.
Why those specific beaches? It’s a fascinating story, actually.
Rather than a traditional funeral, Alana’s family and friends instead held a celebration of Alana’s life. The event culminated in the throwing of a blue, glass bottle, filled with farewell messages from those who loved her, into the water at Long Reef, on Sydney’s northern beaches.
After an 11-and-a-half month, 1500-kilometre journey, the bottle washed ashore in Agnes Water, exactly 12 months to the day since Alana was given the news that her life was going to end. It was discovered by a woman whose middle name is Alana!