Matt Krainz

I am completing this trek in honour of 4 brain cancer warriors Xander, Emily, Peter and Simon.

In April 2022 our lives changed forever, when my son Xander was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, a Grade 4 Brain Tumour. He had just turned 18 and was in year 12. 2 Surgeries, 6 weeks of radiation and over 12 months of chemo, Xander is now doing great, having stable scans. His oncologists watch him closely with an MRI every 4 months. Xander is truly an inspiration and a warrior to everyone that knows him. He completed his HSC during chemo, was accepted to university, and now almost three years later he is studying Bachelor of Criminal Justice and works as a barman. We are so proud of him.

Brain cancer has not only directly affected our family but has also affected 3 families that are close to us.

In March 2024, my sister-in-law’s niece Emily Hunt was diagnosed with Glioblastoma. After surgery, radiation and now chemo, Emily is a brain cancer warrior. Emily has been supported through this journey by her partner Andrew, and her 2 children Levi & Aria.

In March 2024 we lost a dear friend Peter Gesovski to Glioblastoma, after only a 5 week battle. Peter is missed dearly by his wife Sonia, and their family Robert, Julie, Cathryn, Emily and Jessica, who are all staunch supporters of the Mark Hughes Foundation.

In November 2024, we lost our close friend Simon “Simo” Francis who lost his battle with Glioblastoma after only a short 3-week battle. Simo’s wife Heidi and their son Newton are both grateful for the support of the Mark Hughes Foundation during Simo’s battle, who guided them through such a difficult time.

Please join me and donate so we can continue to support the Mark Hughes Foundation.