“THE SUMMIT IS WHAT DRIVES US, BUT THE CLIMB ITSELF IS WHAT MATTERS.” - Dr Jeffrey Goh, 2023 Larapinta trekker
When Medical Oncologist Associate Professor (Dr) Jeffrey Goh had the opportunity to sign up for WomenCan's Larapinta trek in 2023, he immediately jumped on board. As an ANZGOG member, past Board member, an Adjunct Professor at QUT and Medical Oncologist at Icon Cancer Centre in Brisbane, Jeff was eager to let his feet do the talking by trekking the Larapinta trail - raising funds for ANZGOG's vital gynaecological cancer research programs.
Hear why joining the WomenCan Trek was an empowering adventure for Jeff in 2023.
“I think it’s important for us all to support ANZGOG’s research. Thanks to the team's work at WomenCan, awareness of gynaecological cancer is much more visible than when I first started as a Medical Oncologist. Breast cancer has received a lot of attention; therefore, more research funding has been received. Ovarian and other gynaecological cancers do not receive as much funding, I think my participation can be useful to help push the profile up.
“There are a lot of women, of all ages, who will benefit from increased gynaecological cancer research. For instance, cervical cancer affects a lot of younger women. Ovarian cancer is such a chronic disease, and women need better treatment options for these cancers” said Associate Professor Goh.
“It is important for my patients, the women I treat and all women with gynaecological cancer to know their medical specialist is actively doing what they can to improve outcomes for them, improving cure rates and improving the quality of life for women. It’s been the focus of my career and not going to stop anytime soon.”
No stranger to the Northern Territory, Jeff had been fortunate to have previously visited Alice Springs and the Ormiston Gorge, Uluru, and Kings Canyon before undertaking the Larapinta Trek 2023.
“I love the Australian outback. The gorges and canyons are so ancient and beautiful. I have been to the Grand Canyon in the USA, but you can’t compare that to the Australian outback, with its rich colours and history.”
In preparation for his Larapinta adventure experience, Jeff tackled his training with the same determination he shows in caring for his patients.
“I joined a walking group and we did weekly walks around Brisbane including the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, which has lots of stairs. I also did training hikes at Mt Cootha, up and down hills, as well as seeing a personal trainer and doing pilates weekly.”
Tasked with hitting a fundraising target of $60,000, Jeff Goh and his fellow trekkers worked hard to meet this target by the time they departed for the trek.
In a final thought, Jeff added, “While it was strange not to have mobile phone service, it was good to disconnect from civilization for a few days and connect with the sky, earth, and landscape and marvel at its creation. Not to mention, to share the journey with like-minded fellow trekkers!
It was a challenging trek with an exceptional & determined group of people from various backgrounds and locations around Australia. Through our local guide Immie, we have also learnt to connect with the heart of this Great Southern Land, its flora, fauna and its First Peoples”
As the countdown to the 2024 trek continues, you can sign up and join like-minded champions on the trek of a lifetime!
