03 December 2025

How to make your fundraising efforts matter 

Rubina and Troy turned a devastating prostate cancer diagnosis into purpose, sharing their journey and rallying community support. Their Long Run fundraising shows how one family’s courage can inspire awareness, action, and hope. 

When Rubina and Troy committed to The Long Run, they weren’t just signing up for 72 kilometres; they were stepping forward to tell a story that could save lives. 

The couple met in August 2021, married in October 2022, and welcomed their baby in January 2023.  

One year later, their world was shattered when Troy was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Instead of quietly coping, they chose to turn their experience into momentum — for themselves, for their blended family, and for other Australians facing the same fear. 

“The first step in our fundraising was asking Troy if he felt comfortable with me sharing our story. I didn’t want to do anything without him — this journey belongs to both of us,” Rubina says.  

“We don’t believe this is Troy’s story - it’s our story. I’ve been equally impacted as he has, if not more to be honest.” 

That honesty became the fuel behind their fundraising efforts for The Long Run. 

Start with your story —it’s your strongest tool 

Rubina’s first post announced Troy’s diagnosis, their struggle, and importantly, his remission — so supporters understood the full picture. 

“Sharing the truth of what we’d been through helped our friends and family understand the real impact,” she says. “It made our Long Run feel meaningful, not just like another fundraiser.” 

To educate others, she spent the first week posting daily facts from PCFA and Cancer Council about early diagnosis, lifestyle factors, and mental well-being. 

“Both Troy and I received counselling from the Cancer Council. They were incredible.” 

Their openness helped people understand why The Long Run matters.

Use social media as your running partner

Consistency was key. Rubina connected every kilometre to something personal: the fear of diagnosis, the importance of testing, the courage required in recovery. 

This kept their community engaged throughout the challenge and emotionally invested in each step. 

Don’t be afraid to ask — even when it feels uncomfortable 

“My number one tip is to ask anyway,” Rubina says. “The worst thing someone can say is no. And even if they do, you’ll be no worse off.” 

Her courage paid off. Support flooded in, particularly from her workplace, TechnologyOne.  

Colleagues encouraged her, followed their journey, and donated — with the company contributing $1,000 through its dollar-matching program. 

“It wasn’t just financial — it was emotional. It made me so proud to be part of a workplace that backs its people and the community.”

Celebrate the moments that remind you why you’re running 

Rubina shared a special photo of Troy’s birthday this year — his first in remission. 

“It meant so much to us,” she says. “The Long Run is about moments like this. It’s about giving other families the chance to have them too.”