Cardio for Cardio

Welcome to our fundraising page.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Australia. Before September 2022 when we lost a beloved family member to the disease, this statistic was easy all too easy to ignore. 

In May 2024, another family member was diagnosed with the disease. They will receive Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery very soon, and god willing, start a new chapter of recovery and good health.

Enter the Self Care Club. We’re cousins and the adult children of loved ones who have passed too soon or taken ill to the disease. 

The Cardio for Cardio challenge was created by us as a way to honour our beloved and dearly missed Nenita "Tata" Tan. She was a wonderful Mum, Aunt, Sister, and Friend. 

We also wanted to find a way to express our love and support to Rolando Tan (my Dad) in a meaningful way. He's not only a Dad but an Uncle, Brother, Friend and the unofficial family jester.

I came across a quote the other day which I think is rather fitting to our endeavour:

"The human heart is so delicate and sensitive that it always needs some tangible encouragement to prevent it from faltering in its labour." — Maya Angelou, Letter to my Daughter.

For me, this quote speaks to the way acts of love and kindness can sustain and transform us in both an emotional and physical sense. Perhaps they’re even transcendental.

It goes without saying that life is fragile and time is fleeting. Without organisations like the Heart Foundation of Australia many individuals and their families would miss out on vital support, information, and research geared toward improving quality of life and health outcomes for all. Odds are, most Australians will be impacted by the disease in some way and at some stage. There is a lot we can do to improve this. 

The Cardio for Cardio challenge is our way of turning grief into power and positive change, and introducing healthier habits to our family (especially the younger generation). 

Every day for the month of September 2024, we are committed to completing at least 30 minutes of physical activity in an effort to raise awareness and vital funds for our cause. 

We're grateful for your support and thank you for your generous donation. Every pledge counts, no matter how big or small.

Catherine and the Tan Family.