Craigieburn’s Orietta and Chez Spalato want to make a difference to children with leukaemia.
This is the fourth year they have taken part in events to raise awareness about the bone marrow disease, and to collect vital funds towards research into the cancer.
Mrs Spalato said they started their fundraising efforts after their nephew, Joseph, was diagnosed with leukaemia three years ago, aged just two.
She said the diagnosis took the whole family by surprise as they knew nothing about leukaemia.
“It was quite a shock. It was the first actual illness in the family,” she said.
“It was the first time someone had got ill … and it was a little boy.”
Last year, Joseph was given the all-clear by doctors.
For this year’s fundraiser, the Spalatos and four other members of their extended family, will attempt the Stadium Stomp at the MCG on June 26.
Team Joseph will take on the stair-climbing challenge, a circuit of MCG seating walking up the steps between every seat on level one, then on level four, before a half-lap of the oval. The full course can take between 45 minutes and two hours.
Details: www.stadiumstomp.com
