With a new COVID-safe makeover, not even the pandemic can stop Cupid’s Undie Run from celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Instead of thousands meeting in a pack in capital cities for this year’s Cupid’s Undie Run, people can now sign-up to form their very own DIY run and “show off a little flesh,” all in the name of charity.
The signature fundraiser for the Children’s Tumour Foundation (CTF), the event is the charitable authority and only dedicated support service for people impacted by neurofibromatosis (NF) in Australia.
“We have had to adapt Cupid’s this year to ensure every member of our NF community is safe. Although it’s a shame we can’t all be together in the original capacity we were expecting, we’re asking everyone to get involved and show their support for the many Australians facing the adversities of NF,” CTF Chief Executive Officer Leanne Dib said.
The CTF aims to help bring hope to those facing the unknowns of NF by advocating for more research, better resources and awareness, connections and support.
A genetic disorder that affects one in every 2,500 people, NF causes tumours to form on nerves in the body, including the brain and spine. It can also cause cancer, blindness, deafness, physical differences, learning difficulties and chronic pain. There is currently no cure for NF.
Janu Dhayanthan, a Lidcombe local who lives with NF, said she experienced a lot of shame growing up with the genetic disorder.
“I come from a Tamil community and my extended family were worried how the community would react to me having this genetic disorder,” Ms Dhayanthan said.
“They advised my parents not to tell anyone because they wanted to protect me from negative judgements.”
It wasn’t until later in life that Ms Dhayanthan decided to open up about NF. Now as an Ambassador for the CTF, Ms Dhayanthan said she wants to make sure it doesn’t take somebody else 30 years to get to a point where they’re not ashamed of having NF.
For more information and to register, visit http://www.cupidsundierun.com.au.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.