Community spotlight

July was another important Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, with our team sharing practical resources, personal stories and opportunities for the community to get involved.

HANCA extends its sincere thanks to our community of donors for their generosity and ongoing support. Your contributions make it possible for us to raise awareness of Head and Neck Cancer, provide trusted information and specialist support, and continue our advocacy for better outcomes for people affected by the disease.

We are deeply grateful for the philanthropic support of individuals, families, Trusts and Foundations, businesses, community groups and workplaces across Australia. We also acknowledge those who have chosen to honour loved ones through in-memory donations, and those who have generously included HANCA in their wills. Every contribution helps us make a meaningful difference in the lives of people affected by Head and Neck Cancer.

With 31 Soup for the Soul events held across Australia, 2026 was another fantastic year for our Souper Heroes, helping to raise awareness of Head and Neck Cancer in communities large and small. Events took place in health services, farmers markets, clubs, restaurants, cafés, parks, workplaces, schools and online, demonstrating the many ways people can come together to support the cause.

Dry July was another great success, with around 70 people signing up in support of HANCA and 45 participants collectively raising more than $26,000. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part, raised awareness in their communities and supported Australians affected by Head and Neck Cancer. Funding received through the Dry July Foundation supports the ongoing review and development of HANCA's online Head and Neck Cancer Knowledge Base, helping ensure patients, families and health professionals have access to trusted, up-to-date information when they need it most.

In the community

We are continually inspired by the generosity, creativity and dedication of our community.  Behind every fundraising total is a person, family, workplace or community choosing to make a difference. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported HANCA this year. Your generosity not only raises vital funds, but also helps bring hope, connection and support to people affected by Head and Neck Cancer across Australia.

·       In May, Paris Francis ran a solo marathon along Adelaide's coastline in memory of her dad, Peter, raising $11,792.

·       To mark five years cancer-free, Alanna Chatfield completed a 24-hour rowing challenge with her crew, raising $5,355.

·       The biennial West Australian Kununurra Black Tie Fundraiser selected HANCA as one of its charity partners, raising $61,879.

·       In memory of a dear friend, Danica Edmonds completed the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon and raised $4,748.

·       Eight Run Melbourne participants collectively raised $10,507. Thank you to Alex Wilson, Emily Baker, Gemma Neary, Jonathan Lobo, Jonathan Mandaradoni, Niamh Kelly, Rachel Baker and Will Wall.

·       The ACT and Southern NSW Head and Neck Cancer Support Group raised $4,593 through its second annual raffle.

·       Mobile Dental Providers Australia invited HANCA to speak at its July conference, where attendees raised more than $600.

·       The Hobart Harps' Christmas in July event raised $600.

·       Five years after completing treatment, Anna Bofinger from Queensland joined family and friends for her fourth annual 5 Peaks Challenge, raising $5,110. Over the past four years, Anna's challenge has raised more than $25,000 for HANCA while helping to raise awareness of Head and Neck Cancer.

·       Despite undergoing treatment for stage 4 Head and Neck Cancer, Fiona Hogarth joined her extended family and grandchildren in the City2Surf on 9 August, raising an incredible $12,168.

·       The Sunshine Coast Head and Neck Cancer Support Group, led by Carol Adams, Julie Lewis and their dedicated committee, donated $7,000 to HANCA from their annual fundraiser. This brings the group’s remarkable contribution to HANCA to $40,000 over five years, alongside its ongoing work supporting people affected by Head and Neck Cancer across the Sunshine Coast.

·       Geelong Running Festival: Michael Kauter raised $1,552 after fundraising since November 2025. Will Wall completed the full marathon with support from his sisters Allison and Penelope, raising more than $750.

·       Tahlia and Andre Hallet raised funds and awareness at the City to Bay Fun Run, Adelaide

·       The Hillier Park Residential Village Social Club in South Australia held a John Farnham fundraising event and raised $1,250.