OUR INSPIRATION

Robert ‘Connor’ Dawes


His awesomeness inspires our movement, here’s why.

SPIRITED CONNOR

For 16 months, Connor’s brilliant mind, strong body and gentle soul faced off against an ependymoma. Like many others, his brains and brawn gave it all to fight against the poor odds. But on April 20, 2013, Connor’s own battle ended. Inspired by his spirit of Aeternum Fortis, meaning Eternal Strength, we created the RCD Foundation as a tribute to him and other brain tumour fighters.

Filmstrip

A LASTING LEGACY


AETERNUM FORTIS

Latin’s not for everyone. But it was for Connor. A brilliant student, he thrived and loved Latin. After his diagnosis, his latin class coined the phrase Aeternum Fortis meaning Eternal Strength. It featured on bands and tshirts that his schoolmates sold to raise money for his treatment. Now, Aeternum Fortis is our eternal reminder of the amazing person he was.

THREE LITTLE BIRDS

Connor loved music of all kinds and during his treatment had weekly sessions of music therapy. One of Connor’s favourite songs was Three Little Birds by Bob Marley. It’s why we play this song before each Connor’s Run and why the birds feature in our logo and merchandise, reminding us of Connor, his love of music and kind soul.

HOWDY & G’DAY MATE

Connor was born in the mid-west United States. He spent most of his life living in Australia and loving America. Many late nights were had watching Packers games and following college basketball. A child of two countries, we found it only fitting for the foundation to link Australia & the US and to make the most of research initiatives for patients.


Three Little Birds for Connor, performed by Performed by Owen, Joel and Clinton Bowditch.

A TALE OF ADVERSITY

Throughout Connor’s treatment, his mum Liz kept a journal documenting the ups and bumps. Perhaps the next Hemingway, Liz’s account of the 16 months is incredible. It’s stirring, heartwarming and chilling. Just make sure you have a box of tissues on hand.

Read the journal