Get Inspired
Penni set herself a goal to raise $2,000 for Deaf Children Australia while running the Gold Coast Marathon. She didn’t just meet that goal, she exceeded it, raising an incredible $2,468.03 with the support of old friends, new friends, family, and her running community.
In January 2022, Penni’s life changed overnight. She woke up one morning and had completely lost hearing in her left ear, without warning. After years of investigations, her neurologist discovered that she had been misdiagnosed with MS and instead had Susac Syndrome, a rare autoimmune condition. While this diagnosis was ultimately more positive, the loss of hearing was what led to the discovery.
The past two years have not been easy. Penni has spoken openly about how hearing loss impacted her confidence, particularly in her career and social life. Rebuilding that confidence took time, patience, and the support of the people around her. Friends, family, and new running connections helped her find her footing again, and running became a powerful way for her to reconnect with herself and her sense of strength.
When Penni chose to fundraise for Deaf Children Australia, it came from a place of empathy and understanding. Experiencing hearing loss gave her a new perspective on the challenges Deaf and hard of hearing children and adults face every day. While she is grateful to have had her hearing for most of her life, she reflected on how difficult it must be for children who are born Deaf or lose their hearing early on.
Penni spoke about the everyday sounds many of us take for granted, the wind in the trees, birds singing, laughter, music, and how powerful those moments are. Imagining life without them deepened her commitment to making a difference for Deaf children and their families.
By running the Gold Coast Marathon and sharing her story, Penni helped raise vital funds to support Deaf Children Australia’s programs and services. More than that, she helped raise awareness and reminded us all of the power of community, resilience, and showing up for others.
We are incredibly grateful to Penni for her honesty, her determination, and her generosity. Her journey is a powerful reminder that fundraising can come from personal experience, connection, and a desire to make life a little easier for others.
Thank you, Penni, for running with heart and for making such a meaningful impact.
