Stepping into her 40th year, Kirsty Boag is swapping comfort for choreography by joining Stars of the Hunter, the Cancer Council’s fundraising challenge.
She has chosen a truly remarkable way to honour her loved ones who have faced, or are still facing, cancer.
“When I was first approached to participate, my immediate reaction was ‘no’ because I can’t dance,” Kirsty said.
“I have unfortunately lost a lot of loved ones to cancer and, more recently, my best friend passed away from stage 4 bowel cancer in Feburary.
“Obviously she went through hell and thinking back on that really put things into perspective for me.
“It’s going to be five minutes of humiliation, which is nothing compared to what she went through.
“It’s a really nice way to kick off my 40th birthday with something special.
“I couldn’t think of a better thing to do and the timing felt meant to be.”
Kirsty admitted the experience wouldn’t be easy, but she’s determined to face the challenge head-on.
“I know it’s going to be hard,” the Newcastle Weekly and Hunter and Coastal Lifestyle account manager said.
“But, it is nothing compared to what anyone who has experienced cancer has gone through.
“I am mostly nervous about raising the funds and reaching the target amount.
“However, in such a short amount of time I’ve nearly raised $1,000 which is really exciting.
“For me, I am also excited to participate as I know it’ll be super rewarding.
“I’m doing something to represent my loved ones while also getting the opportunity to meet new people and have new experiences.”
Her motivation goes beyond personal growth as Kirsty hopes her participation will inspire others and raise awareness for a cause close to her heart.
“If my dancing can help in any way that would be so rewarding,” she told the Newcastle Weekly.
“Cancer doesn’t discriminate, it can be all ages.
“I want others to see me stepping out of my comfort zone to do this and be inspired.
“The Cancer Council have been doing amazing things.
“So, if I can help spread their message that would mean the world.
“I am already so shocked with the overwhelming support I have received in only just beginning this journey.
“So many people have reached out and asked how they can help, without even knowing the whole story behind why I am taking part in it.
“It’s so special.
“This whole experience has already been better than I originally imagined it to be.”
And, through it all, she keeps the memory of her loved ones close.
Kirsty believes that her best friend, who she’s dancing in memory of, would find it all hilarious.
“After a few wines, we used to dance the night away,” she recalled.
“She knew I couldn’t dance, so I just know that she would think this is so funny.”
The event itself is part of a statewide initiative that has seen local identities dance for Cancer Council NSW since 2015.
With the Hunter region now joining the challenge in 2026, Kirsty will be one of several names stepping up, alongside Piper Butcher, Mike Wilkins, Belinda O’Bryan, Caroline Booth, Rebecca Schrader, Jason Taylor and Tim Shields.
Donations can be made through the Cancer Council website.
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- Foundation has 20,000 reasons to smile after successful Sleap Walk
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