Star cartoonist forced to pull out of charity walk vows to support team

Battling the same cancer that claimed his mother, cartoonist Jon Kudelka has found a creative way to support vital brain research after doctors banned him from charity walk.

Paris Dennett, Professor Tracey Dickson director of Menzies, Associate Professor Andy Flies are part of the team. Acclaimed cartoonist Jon Kudelka who has been living with a brain tumour for some time has designed t-shirts for the team from Menzies Institute for Medical Research who are raising funds for brain cancer research while taking part in the Point to Pinnacle fun/walk. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

It appears nothing can stop cartoonist Jon Kudelka on his mission to support vital Tasmanian medical research.

Diagnosed last year with the same brain cancer that took his mother’s life a decade earlier, the Walkley Award-winning illustrator’s plans to join Point to Pinnacle walkers up Kunanyi/Mt Wellington this Sunday were recently cancelled on medical advice.

But the artist’s fundraising effort for the Menzies Institute for Medical Research continues unabated, with his signature Tasmanian devil character emblazoned across the T-shirts of the Menzies staff and student outfit, The Even Looser Quolls.

And while not getting the chance to put his training efforts into practice, the team captain remains determined to make a personal appearance on the day.

“I will be limited to waving from the top of my street,” Mr Kudelka said.

“But if you want to donate to the team, they’ve nearly reached the goal, and it would mean a lot to them – and me.”

SUN TAS. Acclaimed cartoonist, artist and author Jon Kudelka is unwell having recently being diagnosed with a brain tumour. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Director of Menzies, Professor Tracey Dickson, said Mr Kudelka had not allowed his ongoing treatment program to prevent him raising awareness and financial support for research that will positively impact local families.

“We are extremely grateful for all our donors, who are often everyday people, mums and dads, retired individuals and couples, who support the important work we do here,” Prof Dickson said.

“Jon has been extremely generous with his support through fundraising, awareness, and his creative talents- all while facing his own personal battle with cancer.”

Professor Dickson said support from donations and philanthropy was becoming more important for local researchers, as funding from governments and other agencies became increasingly competitive.

Professor Dickson said Menzies researchers were looking to use recent, groundbreaking discoveries through genomic testing relating to prostate cancer to be used for other diseases including brain cancer.

Originally published as Star cartoonist forced to pull out of charity walk vows to support team