Support Sam and the Sydney Gateway team at City2Surf
In the face of adversity, there are people who find strength, hope, and a desire to make a positive impact.
Sydney Gateway Project Engineer Sam Kashefi (AKA Kashmir DJ) is one such person embarking on a remarkable journey of resilience and inspiration.
What started as a personal battle with thyroid and lymph cancer led Sam to the doors of Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, a renowned cancer treatment and support centre.
Now, Sam is expressing gratitude for the invaluable support he received by also channelling his passion for music to bring joy and encouragement to others at City2Surf on Sunday 13 August 2023 in the 14km journey from Hyde Park to Bondi in Sydney.
Sam will be running City2Surf whilst DJing live with mobile equipment, along with his Sydney Gateway project team.
Kashmir DJ will be spreading hope and good vibes by spreading the power of music to support Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and the wider cancer community.
Can you tell me why you are running for Lifehouse?
So in October 2022, after visiting the Dentist (ironically), I discovered I had thyroid and lymph cancer. I was referred to Chris O’Brien Lifehouse to undergo the surgery and aftercare.
What could have been a particularly dark experience was actually very manageable considering the circumstances, and all down to the level of support that Lifehouse offered.
Additionally, I visited Lifehouse for a standard post-op check-up in early 2023, where I bumped into a close friend and his partner who had also been referred to Lifehouse following a recent diagnosis. My friend’s partner is now looking and doing great whilst also making an incredible recovery, following surgery and receiving a terrific level of breast cancer treatment at Lifehouse. Even from my very brief journey, it’s clear Lifehouse really means so much to so many.
Can you tell me what Lifehouse’s support meant to you?
Since it was only a few weeks between discovery to surgery, and also being from England, my close family and friends couldn’t physically be here to offer that added support during the experience.
It was during this initial chapter that the Lifehouse support meant the most.
The main burning questions being, “What’s next?”, and, “When?”, were soon answered by many of the available professionals at the facility, which soon put my partner and close network at ease, armed with reassuring information every step of the way.
Lifehouse’s modern and bright building certainly made the recovery period a lot more comfortable and welcoming too.
For my parents, knowing that their son was visibly receiving the best level of treatment also really comforted them back home. It didn’t take long for me to realise there’s always someone out there who has it just as tough or worse.
Knowing the Lifehouse is there for people like this, whether young, older, or lonely, soon gave me hope for the wider cancer community.
What do you hope to achieve by taking on City2Surf?
To spread lots of fun with a touch of inspiration. Everyone has their battles, some of which either directly or indirectly influenced by cancer.
I want to show people that there’s hope and brightness after dark times, even if it’s in the form of a sweaty bloke pumping out cheesy dance music from a mobile DJ booth. Also, raising some spare change as a small token of my appreciation would be a real treat too.
Why should people get behind Kashmir DJ?
My love of music will forever be heightened by sharing it. Cliche, I know, but for me, DJing really is a passion fed from the good vibes and positive energy of anybody up for a good party. After the past several months, I’m way more serious about having fun.
Anything else to add?
I plan to have a few mates joining me too, where they’ll be dressed as ravers in keeping with the fun disco theme.
The last thing I ran was a bath, so I’m not sure what would tire out first …me or the battery pack? Either way, it’ll be interesting.
Supporting Sam, DJ Kashmir
Thanks for sharing your inspirational story, Sam. We wish you and the Sydney Gateway team the best of luck in City2Surf and know your music and disco outfits will spread joy and positivity to everyone competing in the race.
If you would like to get behind their City2Surf team and make a lasting impact on the lives of cancer patients and their families, you can donate via https://city2surf23.grassrootz.com/mylifehouse/sam-kashefi
