A Future Without Fear: Reimagining Cancer Diagnosis Through MDC’s Mission
Every year, tens of thousands of Australians lace up their running shoes for the Mother’s Day Classic (MDC), a powerful event that unites communities in the fight against breast and ovarian cancer. For many, it’s more than just a walk or run; it’s a deeply personal journey of resilience, hope, and remembrance. This year, I sat down with the CEO of the Mother's Day Classic, Zara Lawless, and one of the event’s most passionate ambassadors, Sophie van Haalen, as they shared their extraordinary stories of strength, survival, and the importance of awareness, advocacy, and the unbreakable bonds of support.
Sophie’s Story:
For Sophie van Haalen, MDC holds a significance far beyond fundraising or fitness. In May 2023, just two days before the event, Sophie received a life-changing diagnosis: triple negative breast cancer. At only 36, with two young sons, Ollie in prep and Tommy, who had just turned three her world was upended in an instant.
“I was only 36 when I was diagnosed, so you just never ever think that will happen to you,” Sophie recalls. “Obviously, it's something you hear about a neighbour or a cousin but no, that was my world.”
Within two weeks, she began 16 rounds of chemotherapy, followed by a lumpectomy, radiation, and immunotherapy over the course of the next 12 months. The physical and emotional toll was immense, but she found solace in her unwavering support network.
“My family and friends just rallied around us, but also the kindness of strangers. When random people would find out, or you'd get something in the mail from a friend's friend it just blew me away,” Sophie says. “I just feel like now, I want to give back.”
Through it all, her sister, Emily Jabour, played a crucial role, not just as a caregiver but as what Sophie affectionately calls the “Minister for Fun.” “Emily just stopped her life. She was at practically every appointment and did all the communicating with family and friends, so I didn’t have to,” Sophie shares.
Despite the gruelling treatments, Sophie remained determined to keep life as normal as possible for her children. “I tried to make it playful. Mommy’s having special medicine, I’d say. I even joked about getting special hair maybe wearing different colours,” she says. “It was about turning up, even if it meant a cap covering my head at school pick up.”
Three Days After Treatment: Walking for a Cause
Remarkably, just three days after completing her last round of treatment in 2024, Sophie took part in the Mother’s Day Classic for the first time. “It was meant to be,” she reflects. “The timing was crazy, but I saw it as this positive milestone just to be well enough to get out there and do it.”
As she walked, she felt an overwhelming sense of community and hope. “There really was such a vibe last year,” Sophie says. “We stopped halfway through and had a dance. There was a DJ, and just that feeling of hope I was on this natural high for 24 hours after.”
This year, she’s returning with an even bigger team of friends and family. “I want it to be a tradition,” she says. “My dad actually beat me to signing up this year! That just shows how much it means to all of us now.”
Zara Lawless: Leading the Mother’s Day Classic
As the CEO of the Mother’s Day Classic Foundation, Zara Lawless has been at the helm since 2019, bringing her extensive experience in major events and not-for-profits to the cause. Before joining MDC, Zara held leadership roles at Vision Australia and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, but it was the mission of MDC that truly spoke to her passions.
“For me, it really was a combination of all my passions,” Zara shares.
“I loved working in major events, I loved running, and I believed in the power of purpose-driven work. When I saw this role, I remember showing it to my husband and he said, ‘That’s exactly all the things you love.’”
Under her leadership, MDC has continued to grow, expanding its fundraising efforts and increasing awareness about both breast and ovarian cancer. “We’ve raised over $47.3 million for research, funding more than 85 projects,” she notes. “The impact is tangible. One of our co-founders lost her mother to breast cancer, and later, when she was diagnosed herself, she saw firsthand how treatments had improved because of research. That’s what we’re fighting for.”
Zara is committed to making MDC more than just an event; she sees it as a movement. “It’s about uniting and inspiring people to take action,” she says. “The community behind MDC is what makes it so powerful.”
MDC’s Lasting Impact: Research and Hope
Since its inception, the MDC has raised over $47.3 million for breast and ovarian cancer research, funding over 85 projects through the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) and the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF). These funds have contributed to improving breast cancer survival rates, with five-year survival now at 92%, up from 84% in 1998.
“MDC is about more than just research it’s about the power of collective action,” says Zara Lawless, CEO of the Mother’s Day Classic Foundation.
The Future of MDC: More Awareness, More Action
MDC’s long term goal is to ensure that one day, a diagnosis of breast or ovarian cancer comes without fear. “I truly hope that one day we can get to the point where a diagnosis of either breast or ovarian cancer will come without fear,” Zara says. “It will be, you'll be told at that point there's a treatment and you are guaranteed to be able to survive.”
While progress is being made, ovarian cancer remains one of the deadliest, with a five-year survival rate of just 49%. “There is still no non-invasive early detection test for ovarian cancer,” Zara emphasizes. “Fifty percent of women believe a Pap smear can detect it, it cannot. That’s why events like MDC are crucial for raising awareness.”
Both Sophie and Zara are passionate about encouraging women to advocate for their health. “We know our own bodies best,” Sophie says. “If something feels off, don’t wait. Push for answers.”
Zara adds, “We need more young women getting involved not just in raising awareness, but also in pursuing careers in research. Because without researchers, we can’t fund breakthroughs.”
Join the Movement
The 2025 Mother’s Day Classic is set to be bigger than ever, with events in over 90 locations nationwide on May 11. “It’s the best way to start your Mother’s Day,” says Zara. “You’re surrounded by an incredible community, celebrating life, honouring loved ones, and making a real difference.”
For Sophie, it’s a yearly reminder of strength, survival, and giving back. “MDC now feels like my health birthday,” she says. “I hope to be an ambassador for years to come.”
Whether you walk, run, donate, or simply spread the word, your participation in MDC helps drive vital research and saves lives. Register now at mothersdayclassic.com.au.
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