July2012_NO LIVER NO LIFE OUTBACK 4WD ADVENTURE
Bob became ill during a 4WD expedition in Central Australia with an inexperienced group in tow.
During the tour in September 2009, those savage dust storms that hit the coast initially came from Central Australia, where he was. There was a lot of windblown sand and this began to build up around the stationary vehicles. His condition was deteriorating and he felt he may not be able to wait this one out. Due to the prevailing conditions, any form of external help was not an option, so left with no choice, he continued on and navigated by time, distance and heading, as no tracks could be seen. There was zero visibility at times and although he couldn’t see beyond the bull bar of his 4WD, he continued on. Responsible for the convoy, he felt he had to continue until they reached safety.
Listed as ‘Priority 1 National’ and New Zealand, Bob was blessed with a Donor Liver just 36 hours after being placed in the ICU.
To this day the cause is still listed as ‘Unspecified’. It has been just over 2 years now since the transplant and Bob has returned to doing what he loves, sharing the Bush, the Outback and Teaching people how to drive their 4WD vehicles off road.
Bob was extremely healthy and very fit right up to the day of his first symptom and we are led to believe that this level of fitness helped save his life. It was only five weeks from that first symptom to his Liver Transplant
Unlike many developed countries, Australia did not have a liver foundation until recently despite the high incidence of liver disease. Liver cancer is the most rapidly increasing cancer worldwide.
There are compelling reasons why we should donate to such an organisation, and any money raised by this event will be directed to the areas where funding is most needed.
Two million Australians are, or have been, affected by liver, bile duct or gall bladder disease. More than 2,000 Australians die each year from chronic liver diseases, cirrhosis and cancers of the liver, gall bladder and bile ducts.
Today Bob and Marian are in the process of organising a major fundraising event, doing what they do best, leading a group of people in their 4WD’s into the outback visiting some amazing places. They are donating their expertise and time organising and leading this fundraising event. Having seen the importance of research into Liver Disease and what goes on behind the scenes we know the money raised will be gratefully received by the Australian Liver Foundation and put to use in the appropriate areas.
THE ADVENTURE
The adventure begins in Brisbane at Princess Alexandra Hospital, then heads south towards Tenterfield for our first night’s stop.
There is time to explore the beautiful colours of the Tenterfield Autumn and Peter Allen country, Goondiwindi, night two and on to Lightening Ridge for the third night. Day four will take you to Hungerford, then onto Tibooburra. You can’t go into this part of our brilliant country without going to Cameron Corner and having a photo taken at the corner post of three states, Qld, NSW and South Australia
Innaminka, Thagomindah and Quilpie take up days eight and nine. We will finish the fundraising Outback Adventure in Charleville with a farewell dinner and presentations. This event is fully catered for three meals a day.
Bob and Marian are currently looking for sponsorships to help make this event a successful fundraising event.
Every little bit helps so, if you can help or know of someone that can help in any way you can, contact Bob or Marian on MOB: 0412 261 593.
Some of the services required are:
· Artwork for advertising material. Brochures, Flyers, Handouts, car signage
· Printing of any advertising material. Brochures, flyers, handouts, car signage
· Web design of a webpage for the event
· Web hosting for the period leading up to the event
· Advertising space in newspapers, magazines, social media
· Fuel for official vehicles
· After event servicing of official vehicles
· Portable public address equipment
· Flashing/strobe safety lighting for official vehicles
· Long range communications
· Money donations
· Catering
· Stationary items
· Gifts and prizes for raffles and auctions
· Photographic services
· Promotion on television or radio
Visit the website: www.nolivernolife.org
Marian Rogan.
