Tour De PET Scans: 620km Ride to Beat Lung Cancer
One of our fellow ALKies Chris along with his supporters, has decided to help raise funds for both TOGA and ALK Positive Australia Inc. He is also raising awareness about Lung Cancer and where all the Western Australian centre’s are located that offer FDG/PET Scans. Chris has setup a MyCause page which outlines all the details of his fundraising. There is also a link from our Fundraising Section.
This November, during Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Chris is riding 620km across Western Australia, visiting every PET scan centre along the way, to raise $10,000 for life‑saving lung cancer research and patient support.
Chris's Lung Cancer Story
Chris’s journey began in September 2023 with a stubborn cough and a life in motion. A CT scan revealed Stage IV cancer that had spread to his liver, spine, hips, and pelvis. Further testing confirmed advanced ALK‑positive non‑small cell lung cancer (ALK+ NSCLC), a rare, aggressive subtype that often affects younger, healthy adults with little warning. His PET scan “lit up like a Christmas tree,” and doctors cautioned that even simple movements could fracture his pelvis.
Since then, life has been a mix of fear, hope, and resilience. With the support of his partner Bec, family, and friends, Chris has navigated disease progression, new medications, and radiation all while keeping a fierce focus on living fully. Cycling became more than exercise; it became part of his treatment, keeping him strong, grounded, and connected beyond cancer.
Why this ride? For many people, the first PET scan marks the moment life divides into “before” and “after.” By retracing the journey many patients take for that scan, Chris aims to honour that experience and galvanise support.
Where are the funds going?
Every donation — big or small — helps fuel research and support that extend time, expand treatment options, and grow hope. This ride is for the 1,257 West Australians diagnosed with lung cancer every year, the 36 Australians who hear “you have lung cancer” each day, and the small but mighty ALK+ community.
Who is the ride Supporting?
All donations will go directly to two organisations doing incredible work:
🔬 TOGA (Thoracic Oncology Group of Australia)
Pioneering research into more targeted and effective treatments for lung cancer.
💙 ALK+ Positive Australia
Providing support, advocacy, and community for people like me — and for the people who love them.
How you can help
• Donate today to Tour De PET Scans.
• Join a stage of the ride and show your support.
• Share the event with your networks.
To ride along or learn more, email Chris at chris@ckhgroup.net.
