Linda D’Arsie

Final Update - Heartbreak to Hope Walk - June 2024 has ended 💜

Together we have raised just over $2053 and I have walked 213kms. 

The Just Beat It team raised a massive $16240 and walked 528kms.

An INCREDIBLE result for families facing a childhood cancer diagnosis ❤️

Again, thanks to everyone who has sponsored me, shared my link and supported me through yet another fundraising walk to raise funds for kids and families facing cancer. 

Your continued kindness and generosity blows me away. You are all amazing, caring and beautiful people who I am blessed to have in my life. 💜 

#redkite #JustBeatIt #EllaMaree #forever12 #NonnasPrincess 

Day 30 - Heartbreak to Hope Walk - June 2024 💜

“The last kilometre home is always the longest, but isn’t it good to get there!”

Today I walked 15.6kms to finish Heartbreak to Hope with a bang ‼️ 

Tomorrow I will post a final update. 🗞️

#redkite #JustBeatIt #EllaMaree #forever12 #NonnasPrincess 

It's the last day of the Heartbreak to Hope Walk! 💜

💵 ALL DONATIONS DOUBLED 💵

Donate today for an EOFY Tax Deduction 💰 

I am $74 away from reaching an incredible $2000.

Thank you to everyone who has sponsored me, shared my link and supported me. I am truly blessed 💜 

No donation is too small when it’s being doubled so if you can spare a few $’s just hit the link below. 🫶🏼 

#redkite #JustBeatIt #EllaMaree #forever12 #NonnasPrincess 

Day 29 - Heartbreak to Hope Walk - June 2024 💜

💵 ALL DONATIONS MATCHED 💵 

All online donations DOUBLED until midnight Sunday!

Donate the money you save on EOFY Sales…and get an EOFY Tax Deduction 💰 

Only 1 day left of the Heartbreak to Hope Walk ❤️

No donation is too small when it’s being doubled so if you can spare a few $’s just hit the link below. 🫶🏼 

Today I walked 5.6kms and enjoyed the fresh air and warm day.

#redkite #JustBeatIt #EllaMaree #forever12 #NonnasPrincess 

Day 28 - Heartbreak to Hope Walk - June 2024 💜

💵 MATCHED DONATIONS EXTENDED 💵

All online donations DOUBLED until midnight 30 June!

Forget the EOFY Sales…what about an EOFY Tax Deduction 💰 

No donation is too small when it’s being doubled so if you can spare a few $’s just hit the link below. 🫶🏼 

Today I walked 3kms! 

#redkite #JustBeatIt #EllaMaree #forever12 #NonnasPrincess 

Day 27 - Heartbreak to Hope Walk - June 2024 💜

Today is DOUBLE DONATION DAY! ❤️ All online donations from 9am (AEDT) will be DOUBLED for 24 hours!

On the fundraising leaderboard our team of three is coming second and our amazing team captain is third for individual donations. Juani you rock! ❤️

Only 3 days left of the Heartbreak to Hope Walk ❤️  

I’m itching to get back out walking. Thankfully I am feeling a lot better than I was and hope to be getting some fresh air by the weekend. 

The Just Beat It team will continue taking donations even though we have reached our targets. So TODAY if you can spare a few $’s just hit the link below. 🫶🏼

#redkite #JustBeatIt #EllaMaree #forever12 #NonnasPrincess 

Day 26 - Heartbreak to Hope Walk - June 2024 💜

No kms walked today! Hubby and I have Covid! 😷 

Only 4 days left of the Heartbreak to Hope Walk ❤️  

I will be resting the next couple of days and hopefully get out on the weekend for some fresh air and vitamin D. If I can add another 11kms to make it an even 200kms I will be over the moon. 

I am happy to continue taking donations so just hit the link below if you can spare $’s 🫶🏼

#redkite #JustBeatIt #EllaMaree #forever12 #NonnasPrincess 

Day 25 - Heartbreak to Hope Walk - June 2024 💜

Today I only walked 5kms. I was in bed at 4:30pm with a sore throat, a headache and a temperature. My body is a little achy too! 

Only 5 days left of the Heartbreak to Hope Walk I will continue adding kms to my total. ❤️  

So grateful to all my amazing sponsors and post sharers. Without you guys I would not have reached my goal. 

I am happy to continue taking donations so just hit the link below if you can spare $’s 🫶🏼

#redkite #JustBeatIt #EllaMaree #forever12 #NonnasPrincess 

Day 24 - Heartbreak to Hope Walk - June 2024 💜

Today I only walked 2kms.

So many friends and family visited today so I didn’t get to walk. I will walk tomorrow to make up kms.

Only 6 days left of the Heartbreak to Hope Walk I need to keep adding kms to my total. ❤️  

Just hit the link below if you can spare a few $’s 🫶🏼

#redkite #JustBeatIt #EllaMaree #forever12 #NonnasPrincess

Day 23 - Heartbreak to Hope Walk - June 2024 💜

Today was a rest day thanks to my awesome husband donating $24 if I didn’t walk today and tomorrow.

I spent a lazy morning in bed followed by a relaxed day at home watching TV and playing Yahtzee. 

I will have a semi relaxed day tomorrow but with only 7 days left of the Heartbreak to Hope Walk I need to keep adding kms to my total. ❤️  

Remember small amounts add up to large amounts…I’m only $20 from my fundraising goal!  So grateful to all my amazing sponsors and post sharers! 

Just hit the link below if you can spare $10 🫶🏼

#redkite #JustBeatIt #EllaMaree #forever12 #NonnasPrincess

Day 22 - Heartbreak to Hope Walk - June 2024 💜

Today I walked 11kms.

Walked into Mooloolaba and back today and the weather was perfect for walking. My friend Anne walked with me and we found a Vietnamese eatery that served a very nice chicken phò. 

The countdown continues with only 8 days left of the Heartbreak to Hope Walk ❤️  

Remember small amounts add up to large amounts…I’m only $43 from my fundraising goal!  So grateful to all my amazing sponsors and post sharers! 

Just hit the link below if you can spare $10 🫶🏼

#redkite #JustBeatIt #EllaMaree #forever12 #NonnasPrincess

Day 21 - Heartbreak to Hope Walk - June 2024 💜

Today I walked 11.6kms. 

Yay…the first of my 10km days…done!

There’s only 9 days left of the Heartbreak to Hope Walk ❤️  

Remember small amounts make a huge impact.

Just hit the link below if you can spare $10 🫶🏼

#redkite #JustBeatIt #EllaMaree #forever12 #NonnasPrincess

Day 20 - Heartbreak to Hope Walk - June 2024 💜

Today I walked 6kms.

There’s only 10 days left of the Heartbreak to Hope Walk (I can't believe how quickly it's gone!) so I’ve got a challenge as I work my way to my goal of $1500....I will walk 10kms a day for the next 10 days if I can get 10 people to donate $10!

$10 doesn't sound like a lot...but it's amazing how far $10 donated by 10 people can go.

$100 can put food on the table when a parent stops working to be by their child's bedside as they go through cancer treatment ❤️

Small amounts make a huge impact.

Just hit the link below if you can spare $10. 🫶🏼

#redkite #JustBeatIt #EllaMaree #forever12 #NonnasPrincess

Day 19 - Heartbreak to Hope Walk - June 2024 💜

Today I walked 6.1kms.

I shopped with my sister and great niece. Then walked around the neighbourhood to increase my kms. 

Just hit the link below if you have a few $’s to spare. 

#redkite #JustBeatIt #EllaMaree #forever12 #NonnasPrincess

Day 18 - Heartbreak to Hope Walk - June 2024 💜

I worked in the garden and did a few things around the house today. So only 3kms walking. 💜

I would like to send a huge shout out to my amazing team member Juani who has had her own battle… but is focusing on how she can help others. She is amazing, inspirational and loved by many…including me.

Just hit the link below if you have a few $’s to spare and support our team.

#redkite #JustBeatIt #EllaMaree #forever12 #NonnasPrincess

Day 17 - Heartbreak to Hope Walk - June 2024 💜

Today I walked 11kms. 💜

I had coffee this morning with some beautiful humans and got to cuddle the cutest little baby boy. 💙

I walked to the supermarket to do my groceries.  Hubby came and collect them and I walked the scenic route home.  👍🏼

Sponsorship $’s ensure Redkite can be there with real financial, practical and mental health support for families facing childhood cancer. 

Just hit the link below if you have a few $’s to spare. 

#redkite #JustBeatIt #EllaMaree #forever12 #NonnasPrincess

Day 16 - Heartbreak to Hope Walk - June 2024 💜

Today was rest day Sunday. 🦥

A huge thanks again to all “Just Beat It” teams sponsors. You are all incredible! 

Your sponsorship $’s ensure Redkite can be there with real financial, practical and mental health support for families facing childhood cancer. 

When a family is told their child has cancer, what they hear is “your child might die”. Every day in Australia, three families hear those words. Not every child will die, but every family who faces childhood cancer is changed forever. Cancer puts families under enormous pressure. It can feel like it’s impossible to hold it together. 

Just hit the link below if you have a few $’s to spare. 

#redkite #JustBeatIt #EllaMaree #forever12 #NonnasPrincess

Day 15 - Heartbreak to Hope Walk - June 2024 💜

Today I walked 14kms.  💜

Busy day walking the streets of the Sunny Coast. I inspected three open homes…all way above my budget…but inspected just because I can. I also watched my great niece, Kybe, play tag in the afternoon.  A fun relaxing day followed by an aperitif with my sister overlooking the canal.

Just hit the link below if you have a few $’s to spare. 

#redkite #JustBeatIt #EllaMaree #forever12 #NonnasPrincess

Day 14 - Heartbreak to Hope Walk - June 2024 💜

Today was a lazy day I only walked 2.4kms.  💜

It was date night with hubby Greg. We walked the long way around the corner to the Green Zebra for dinner…and what an interesting walk it was. Friday night would usually see Greg sitting on his bucket on the canal fishing 🎣 where he is apparently pretty well known.  

As we walked to dinner nearly every person we passed made the comment, “not fishing tonight”. 😂😂😂

#redkite #JustBeatIt #EllaMaree #forever12 #NonnasPrincess

Day 13 - Heartbreak to Hope Walk - June 2024 💜

Today I walked 5.9kms.  💜

Thanks again to all my sponsors…you’ve now ensured that Redkite's vital financial, practical and emotional services can continue for families facing childhood cancer - bringing them from heartbreak to hope during the toughest time in their lives! 🩷

Never underestimate the power that this has to bring hope as well as the gratitude that these families have for you as these kids and their families face the toughest time of their lives. ❤️

Just click the link below if you can spare a few $’s. 

#redkite #JustBeatIt #EllaMaree #forever12 #NonnasPrincess

Day 12 - Heartbreak to Hope Walk - June 2024 💜

Today I walked 11.2kms.  💜

Yay…beautiful 24 degree day.  Tomorrow (Thursday 13 June) is double donation day from 9am…but if you can spare a few $’s get in quick as there is not a lot of matched funds available. The early worm get the reward! 

Just click the link below if you can spare a few $’s. 

#redkite #JustBeatIt #EllaMaree #forever12 #NonnasPrincess

Day 11 - Heartbreak to Hope Walk - June 2024 💜

Today I walked 9.5kms.  💜

Thanks again to all my sponsors…we have raised $810 and this helps keep the lights on and put food on the table.  I will be raising my goal to provide even more support.

Just click the link below if you can spare a few $’s. 

#redkite #JustBeatIt #EllaMaree #forever12 #NonnasPrincess

Day 10 - Heartbreak to Hope Walk - June 2024 💜

Today I walked 13.2kms. Fundraisers where I walk to raise money get me out of the house and give me purpose. It’s my way of giving back to charities, such as Redkite, that supported our family during our journey with Ella. I will walk for various charities to raise money for as long as I am physically able. 💜

Just click the link below if you can spare a few $’s. 

#redkite #JustBeatIt #EllaMaree #forever12 #NonnasPrincess

Day 9 - Heartbreak to Hope Walk - June 2024 💜

It’s Sunday…rest day so today I only walked 6.4kms.

I promise to lift my game again tomorrow. 🚶🏼‍♀️ 

Just click the link below if you can spare a few $’s. ❤️

#redkite #JustBeatIt #EllaMaree #forever12 #NonnasPrincess

Day 8 - Heartbreak to Hope Walk - June 2024 💜

Today I walked 9km.

Such a beautiful sunny day to hit the pavement and clock up a few kms! Team “Just Beat It” are walking hard and would love to raise more money for Redkite to continue the invaluable support they provide families dealing with childhood cancer.  We are grateful for every donation and no amount is too small. 

Just click the link below if you can spare a few $’s. ❤️

#redkite #JustBeatIt #EllaMaree #forever12 #NonnasPrincess

Day 7 - Heartbreak to Hope Walk - June 2024 💜

Today I walked 10.5km.

My family and I have been blessed to have amazing people support us during Ella’s journey and who still support us now.  I wonder if you all know just how incredible and valuable your support has been…and continues be! I’m sure you don’t.  I would like to acknowledge and thank you all.  I am grateful and love you. 💜

#redkite #JustBeatIt #EllaMaree #forever12 #NonnasPrincess

Day 6 - Heartbreak to Hope Walk - June 2024 💜

Today I walked 10.6km.  Thank you to my sponsors and sharers for supporting me in yet another fundraising venture for children and families impacted by cancer.  You are all AMAZING.  Please continue to share and if anyone has a few $’s to spare my team and I would appreciate your support. Just click the link below to donate. 💜

#redkite #JustBeatIt #EllaMaree #forever12 #NonnasPrincess

Day 5 - Heartbreak to Hope Walk - June 2024 💜

Today I walked 10.2km.  While every cancer journey is different it is also the same in that it sucks, it is difficult and the unknowns are so bloody scary. 

I know it’s a long read but the amazing words below by an incredible and inspirational mum, Melanie, sums up the highs and lows of dealing with childhood cancer so well.  Melanie’s daughter Kayla was Ella’s best friend on her cancer journey…and a very special and beautiful young lady. I love this photo of the two girls so much.  💜

So worth the read…

“Anxiety!

It's real. 

Sometimes, I have to hold my heart. To ease the flutter. The very real fear that the butterflies in the stomach will spread their wings.

The surreal place where the psychological state morphs into physiology.

Anxiety could only come from a place of real love. To love someone so deeply that you can really, truly share their anxiety.

I've diagnosed it.... Surely no one has heard of it. 'Child induced Anxiety'

As a parent, we give so much of ourselves to our children, that there isn't often a lot left in the tank. Like an engine running on empty. 'Self care' they say. Make some time for yourself. 

How can we say that we missed their childhood, when they were standing right in front of us? Not the normal 'blink of an eye' kinda moments. Our eyes were wide open. It's the 'normal' childhood experience that we have missed.

You imagine the moment that little baby is born. Of all the wonderful experiences you will be able to offer them. Not just the rite of passage moments, but the lifelong memories you will help them create.

But what if those life choices and experiences don't go to plan? Well..... you get up again and again and you make the most of it.

There are normal expectations for a parent and even a working parent. But not for a 'caring' parent. Nothing is normal for a 'caring' parent. 

The financial struggles due to the fact that the normal wage was replaced by the government's kind offer of loose change, as an 'allowance' to reward the 'caring' duties.

We often make the mistake of telling our children what they should feel and feeling righteous and that we 'know best'. 

'You must feel sick, you should take your anti nausea medication. You must need me to sit by your bed, because you must be lonely. You must be sad, because you're not smiling. You have 'cancer', so you must not need privacy anymore.'

But, how do we stop our own anxieties as parents, becoming our child's fears? To realise that your love and protection isn't all that she needs. 

The moment where your heart is in your throat when your girl tells you she thought she was going to die in her sleep. Where she mistook her dog's normal love, for the intuition that a dog thinks something is going to happen. Where she cries herself to sleep saying goodbye to everyone that she knows. 😢

As a parent, how can your heart be broken, yet feel so full all at the same time?

Our Oncologist just said to us that all parents who are supporting a child with cancer, will have an element of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Isn't that title only reserved for our soldiers at war or someone who has been held up at gunpoint? Not us, who have been dealt this hand & we have gracefully taken it on. 

Parenting was never meant to be easy, but I certainly imagined it was going to be a hell of a lot easier than what it's been. It's been the most challenging, traumatic, emotional experience of our lives. And it's been downright scary.

But....... If we admit that we're scared, then how can we be inspiring?” 💜

#redkite #JustBeatIt #EllaMaree #forever12 #NonnasPrincess

Day 4 - Heartbreak to Hope Walk - June 2024 💜

Today I walked 9.4km.  A beautiful winters day on the Sunny Coast…no jumper or jacket required. I am soaking in the sunny days and walking around in t-shirts and dresses. I was very excited to reach my $ goal…so given it’s early in the month I have raised it…I’m doing it for the kids! 💜

#redkite #JustBeatIt #EllaMaree #forever12 #NonnasPrincess

Day 3 - Heartbreak to Hope Walk - June 2024 💜

Today I walked 9.2km.  As I walked this evening I thought about my beautiful Ella and the long and difficult 16 months she endured in Sydney fighting cancer. So hard to believe she was performing with her dance troupe three weeks before being airlifted to Sydney on the 7 July 2022.

#redkite #JustBeatIt #EllaMaree #forever12 #NonnasPrincess

Day 2 - Heartbreak to Hope Walk - June 2024