"The lack of research and understanding about Blake’s diagnosis was particularly difficult for us to come to terms with.”
Kath Davenport
Brain cancer patients deserve more than Shakespeare’s wisdom.
When 21-year-old Blake Davenport was diagnosed with brain cancer last year, his family found themselves confronting a reality with more questions than answers.
“Drawing on the wisdom of Shakespeare, we reminded ourselves that ‘There’s nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so,’” says Blake’s mum, Kath. “In the face of the unknown we placed our trust in Blake’s amazing medical team and committed ourselves to remaining optimistic.”
But optimism alone shouldn’t be what patients and families have to rely on.
For Blake and his family, the diagnosis came as a shock – not just because of its severity, but because of how little information and certainty exists compared to other cancers.
“The uncertainty surrounding the words ‘brain cancer’ brings with it a great deal of anxiety,” Kath says. “Unlike other forms of cancer, where comfort can be fostered through established knowledge and access to proven trials and treatments, the lack of research and understanding about Blake’s diagnosis was particularly difficult for us to come to terms with.”
As a keen sportsman who grew up playing cricket with his brother and father at the Berowra Cricket Club, the community quickly rallied around Blake when his diagnosis became known.
The club recently hosted a fundraising night at the Berowra RSL, bringing together more than 350 people – friends, teammates and local businesses – and raising over $23,000 for Brain Cancer Australia in support of Blake and his family.
“When you need faith the most it is hardest to find, but we were reminded on this night that it is all around us,” Kath says. “It is an extraordinary feeling to have such a huge showing of love and support.”
When the family heard how Robyn Leonard established Brain Cancer Australia after losing her daughter, Lucie, to brain cancer, they chose to direct the money they raised to the cause – helping to build the infrastructure the entire brain cancer community needs to advance research and improve patient care.
“We were immediately drawn to the story of Robyn and Lucie. It offered us inspiration to help drive their efforts to power brain cancer research in Australia.”
While their journey is just beginning, the family hopes their fundraising will help change what future patients face.
“We recognise that we cannot change our situation today, but we can contribute to ongoing research and efforts for breakthroughs in brain cancer. Supporting these initiatives means that others facing uncertainty may have greater hope as they confront the unknown.”
The fundraiser – which was supported by the Berowra Cricket Club committee members – was part of a broader community effort, with the club also holding a dedicated awareness round, and Blake’s grandparents hosting a weekend market through the Berowra Uniting Church.
Brain Cancer Australia is grateful to Blake, Kath, the Berowra Cricket Club and to the wider Berowra community for their generosity and support.
You can support Blake's fundraising efforts here.
