Move
with
purpose
Project 44 is a community built in memory of Amanda Apps, raising awareness of early-onset bowel cancer and funds for Bowel Cancer Australia.
The why
Bowel cancer isn't just an older person's disease.
Bowel cancer is the deadliest cancer for Australians aged 25 to 54. More than 1,800 Australians under 50 are diagnosed each year, and rates of early-onset bowel cancer have been increasing in Australia and around the world.
Too many younger people still don't expect bowel cancer to happen to them. Symptoms can be dismissed, explained away or investigated too late. Project 44 exists to help change that.
Know the signs. Trust your body. Keep asking questions.
Her story
The reason behind Project 44
Manda was a loving wife, mum of three and the person at the centre of her family.
In 2021, at just 42, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer. Despite everything her medical team could do, Manda died in June 2023. She was 44.
Her sons, Jackson and Lochie, created Project 44 in her honour. They wanted to turn their loss into action so younger Australians know what to look for and feel confident pushing for answers.
More awareness. More conversations. More research. Earlier diagnoses.
Three ways to join
Wear. Move. Choose your 44.
Wear
Wear the movement
Premium everyday apparel made to start conversations and raise funds.
Shop the collection
Move
Move with us
Run. Walk. Hike. Ride. Join the boys at events and challenges, or sponsor the movement.
See what's next
Choose
Make 44 your own
Walk 4.4kms. Do 44 days. Raise $440. Set the challenge, tell people why.
Get startedWhy 44?
One number. A much bigger meaning.
44 was Manda's age when she died. It's now a way to turn memory into momentum. It could be a distance, a target, a timeframe and a reason to begin.
Know the signs
You're never too young.
85% of people diagnosed with early-onset bowel cancer experience symptoms. If something isn't right for you, trust your body, keep asking questions and speak with your GP.
Next mission
Run Canberra, 1 November.
Jackson and Lochie are running the half marathon at the Run Canberra Festival in memory of Mum. Back them and every step raises funds for Bowel Cancer Australia.
"This movement is about making sure fewer families have to go through what we did."