Cathy's story: Honouring loved ones by having an impact

Cathy Sertori is no stranger to the Kosi Challenge – she’s been climbing Kosi with Rare Cancers Australia (RCA) for more than a decade!

Cathy said this year’s event would be particularly meaningful, as she plans to climb in honour of her cousin Damien, who recently passed away from a rare cancer.

“Working with RCA and the broader cancer community, there are always people you have in mind, however all too often it’s personal,” Cathy said.

“Last year it was my best friend’s sister, and this year it’s my younger cousin.”

Cathy described Damien as her “cheeky cousin” and reflected on growing up very close, sharing family holidays to the Central Coast and even starting their pharmaceutical careers together.

“Damien’s diagnosis was a shock, to him and the family,” Cathy shared.

“We had lost Damien’s mum to ovarian cancer 18 months earlier. He was diagnosed in April 2025 and died in November 2025, surrounded by love and family.”

Preparing for her 11^th climb, Cathy said there were a couple of highlights she was looking forward to again this year.

“The clear determination, passion of a whole community (patients, industry and corporate partners) coming together for a single purpose – that of raising money to support navigation services for people living with a rare cancer,” she said.

“Also, the joy of a celebratory drink after the walk with teammates!”

But as well as taking on the gruelling hike, this year Cathy’s taking her support further, sponsoring our Matched Giving for the third year in a row through her business, Creative Advocacy Solutions.

This support is a powerful way to supercharge our fundraising, providing an extra incentive for people to donate, knowing their funds will go twice as far.

“The Giving Day encourages people to actively donate; knowing their donation is doubled gives a sense of urgency. Seeing the impact it has had to donations has encouraged me to continue!” Cathy said.