Maryborough miracle mum, Juliette McAleer, is urging Queenslanders to join her in the RBWH Foundation’s ‘Royal Run for Research’ this April, as she continues to chart new territory for tube-fed marathon runners.
The iconic Royal Run for Research is Brisbane’s oldest fun run, established in the late eighties to raise vital funds for patient care innovation and life-saving medical research. After a short hiatus during COVID-19, the fun run is back, bigger and better than ever with its first ever virtual event. Participants can choose to run or walk during the month of April, and then log their distance online.
“Every step you take during the Royal Run for Research strengthens not just your body, but the future of patient care and medical research in Queensland and beyond,” said RBWH Foundation CEO Simone Garske.
All funds will support projects that improve patient outcomes at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RWBH), the Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS) and prestigious Herston research centres.
“You never know when you might need the expertise of our State’s largest hospital - and I hope you never do - but it is comforting to know they’re there, constantly working to implement the most up to date medical research, knowledge and technology to save lives,” said Juliette.
In 2020, Juliette almost died from a twisted bowel that killed most of her small bowel and stomach. She was flown to RBWH where she spent six months, undergoing multiple life-saving surgeries.
Despite being fed through a tube in her stomach, Juliette took up running eighteen months ago.
“I am acutely aware that I owe my ability to put one foot in front of the other to the expertise and resources of RBWH,” said Juliette.
“I have been called ‘resilient’ more than once in the aftermath of illness, but the truth is, resilience is the rule, not the exception for humans facing adversity.
“The wards of RBWH are full of resilient people fighting back after serious adversity. I’m running not only for my life, but for theirs.”
Registration is free and open until 31 March with great rewards and incentives for top fundraisers.
In celebration of the RBWH Foundation’s 40th anniversary, Juliette has dedicated her year of running to raising awareness, raising spirits and raising funds for the Foundation through her heroic efforts.
She has registered to compete in Tour de Brisbane (April), the Brisbane half marathon (June), Gold Coast half marathon (July) and Sunshine Coast half marathon.
“I’d love to see as many people as possible join me - each step a celebration of our own health and collective momentum toward survival for those experiencing some of their hardest days,” she said.
“My mantra is that the best way to make amazing things happen is simply to put one foot in front of the other. Forward momentum is the key to hope and healing.”
