A huge congratulations to alumni Samantha Pretyman (MacKillop leavers 2004) on her incredible efforts, running 65km a week for the entire month of May to raise funds and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis.
The Run ForCF campaign began after her son Henry was named the 2025 Cystic Fibrosis masked Ambassador, Henry had the opportunity to lead the 5km walk and run, zooming along the streets of Hobart in his signature Flash costume at City to Casino.
Sammy describes this challenge as “more than a fundraising campaign. It’s a story of resilience. A call to action. It’s raising awareness and education, it is also a chance for the community to join in, set their own running goals, and rally behind families living with the weight of invisible illness”.
Running a total of 325km throughout May, Sammy has already raised an amazing $10,000 for Cystic Fibrosis Tasmania and hopes that this platform she has created can be used to engage the community in creating their own running goals and support families living behind the weight of an invisible illness. “I am showing what resilience looks like. I am shining a light on the invisible weight carried by carers”.
Juggling this extraordinary running challenge with her time as a Mum of 2 and her work as a Nurse. Sammy has shown an exemplary level of commitment and resilience that can serve as an inspiration to our current students.
When asked what she hopes this extraordinary challenge can achieve Sammy hopes to:
1. Raise Awareness
So many people still don’t know what cystic fibrosis is, or how deeply it affects those who live with it. If my running can start conversations, educate others, and shine a light on CF, then every kilometre is worth it.
2. Inspire Action
I want people to feel empowered to help — whether it’s by donating, joining a fundraiser, or simply learning more. It’s easy to feel helpless in the face of a disease, but together we can all do something.
3. Build a Community
CF can be isolating, especially for families dealing with it every day. Through this campaign, I hope to bring people together — to show that we’re not alone, and that we have support from schools, friends, and everyday heroes.
4. Support Research and Hope for a Cure
Ultimately, the goal is to change the future. Every dollar raised supports critical research, better treatments, and the dream that one day, no family will have to hear the words “your child has cystic fibrosis.”
A Message to MacKillop Catholic College Students
Cystic fibrosis is a serious condition, but it does not define who someone is. People living with CF are strong, smart, funny, talented — and just like you in so many ways. Yes, they may face extra challenges, but they are so much more than their diagnosis. The best thing you can do as a student, a friend, or a future leader is to see the person, not just the condition.
Here’s how you can make a real difference:
Be Supportive
If you know someone with CF, treat them with kindness, patience, and respect. Be a friend. Include them. And never underestimate the power of simply showing up for someone.
Break the Stigma
Don’t let CF — or any illness — become a label. Encourage others to see people with CF for their strengths, not their struggles.
Think Ahead – Genetic Testing Matters
One day, when you’re thinking about having children of your own, get genetic testing done. It’s a simple and responsible step that can help you understand your risks and options. CF is an inherited condition, and many carriers don’t even know they are. Knowledge is power, and it allows you to make informed decisions for your future family.
Be Part of the Change
Supporting campaigns like RunForCF helps raise awareness and funds for better treatments — and one day, a cure. Your voice, your effort, and your compassion matter.
Support Sammy’s fundraising efforts here.
