Home Property Australia 100 000 donation helps Ryan Hodges breathe easy

100 000 donation helps Ryan Hodges breathe easy

  • February 08, 2018

$100,000 donation helps Ryan Hodges breathe easy

The Flinders Medical Centre (FMC) Redevelopment Project was completed in November 2017, on time and defect free, but for National Builder Hansen Yuncken and a team of 300 subcontractors, that wasn’t the only focus.

For the South Australian team, a commitment to healthcare and collaboration expanded beyond bricks and mortar. In less than 6 months, Hansen Yuncken and the FMC project community raised a staggering $107,187 for team member and construction industry professional, Ryan Hodges.

In November 2014, at the age of 32, Ryan was diagnosed with a rare and highly advanced stage of lung cancer.

Determined to build a life with his young family, Ryan underwent ground breaking targeted therapy to treat his cancer. By April 2015 the tumour had shrunk by over 90% but late in 2015, Ryan commenced a further round of chemotherapy.

Unable to carry out his role as Lead Services Coordinator on the FMC project, Ryan established the Cancer Council ‘Ryan Hodges Breathe Easy Fund’ to raise money for Precision Oncology Research.

With Hansen Yuncken’s support, Ryan coordinated over 30 meetings with contactors, consultants and suppliers. Shortly after donations were put forward, fundraising events were confirmed and auctions conducted.

By 3rd February 2018, Hansen Yuncken and the entire FMC project community had raised a total of $107,187 for the Ryan Hodges Fund.

Mark Rosenboom, State Manager of Hansen Yuncken said “With over 1.1 million Australians living with Cancer, it is a charity close to everyone’s heart, even more when it’s a member of your team. The passion and dedication in supporting Ryan has shone through and is testament to the culture embedded within our industry. I am very proud of the Project Team’s achievements and admire the strength and determination shown by Ryan throughout this journey”.

Sunday 4th February marked World Cancer Day, promoting how everyone, collectively or individually can play a part in reducing the global burden of cancer. For Ryan and the Hansen Yuncken project community, World Cancer Day was a celebration of collaboration and the power of friends, colleagues and industry coming together to support one and other.

Ryan commented, “I’m totally blown away with the support I have received for the fund. Hansen Yuncken and all the contractors involved in the FMC project really got behind me and showed their support. I am so thankful. Together, we’ve built incredible momentum in working towards our goal of supporting local South Australian research for a cancer free future.”