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About June for Juanita Summary June for Juanita is a fund raising initiative for the Royal Children's Hospital Foundation (RCHF) undertaken by the Lindsay family, along with supporting committee, in memory of their youngest daughter Juanita, who died of cancer in August 2007.
Juanita Kerry Lindsay was David and Leonie's fourth and youngest child. At 5 years, she developed leukaemia and received treatment through the RCH over the following 24 months. She then enjoyed reasonable health until the leukaemia returned in1999 when she was 10. Her treatment at this time included a bone marrow transplant, but while the leukaemia was in remission, Juanita was diagnosed with a brain tumour in May 2005. She underwent operations and other treatment but ultimately lost her battle, passing away on 7th August 2007. She was 18 years old. The family has undertaken this project to raise substantial funds for the Royal Children's Hospital Foundation in memory of Juanita and in appreciation of all the wonderful care and treatment that she received at the hospital throughout her illness. Juanita enjoyed animals and the outdoors, including camping and travel. David, her father, is a boat builder and repairer, and boating has been an important part of the family's recreation over the years. The family has spent many holidays camped at Lake Cootharaba near Noosa, where sailing was a key part of Juanita's experience and upbringing. June for Juanita is designed to reflect Juanita's love of sailing and the outdoors and also to link with her birthday- 1st June.
The ultimate aim of June for Juanita is for Juanita's father, David, to embark on a solo sailing venture from Brisbane to Cairns in a 3.6 metre Caper Catamaran. David is a sailor of considerable experience. Most of this has been in races on Moreton Bay and the Brisbane River, but he has sailed from Mackay to Brisbane, Brisbane to Auckland, and most recently crewed one of the entrants in the Easter 2008 Brisbane to Gladstone yacht race. He is not given to wild adventures and will plan and undertake the venture with the highest levels of prudent judgment, preparation and training. He has purchased a 3.6 metre Caper Cat for the expedition, which will be modified for additional strength and safety. All mandatory safety equipment will be carried, as well as GPS, VHF Radio and EPIRB. He will be supported on his way up the coast by a road crew of 6-8 people in two vehicles. One vehicle will tow a trailer to transport the Caper Cat as need be (and for the return from Cairns), the second vehicle will tow a second caper cat as a standby should it be needed. The road crew will shadow David on his way up the coast, raising money in populated areas as they pass through. The support of local scout groups, churches, and sailing clubs etc will be sought in advance to help provide for the expeditions needs. Where it is possible for David to come ashore at night, the crew will meet him for overnight stops, though there will be nights when he will stay on the boat. In the larger centres up the coast, David will come ashore for a day or so to relax, refresh and promote the project. It is possible that due to weather conditions and prevailing winds, it may be prudent for him not to attempt to sail certain sections but to be driven to a point further north where the sailing can safely resume. Weather conditions will be a major factor governing the duration of the trip and the necessary number of stages. The road crew, and at times David, will be promoting the project in centres up the coast and meeting with media and community groups.
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