Inspired by Benalla's Terry Greaves - who was diagnosed with stage four Metastatic Melanoma back in January - the campaign has gained plenty of traction online.
Videos shared online have ranged from Terry and wife Heather's recent battles, to the stories of Terry's past footballing feats, as those involved in the campaign continue to urge locals to jump aboard as ambassadors or donate to the cause.
Terry’s Big Bearded Ball Drop aims to kick cancer to the kerb
In a video at their Markwood home, Heather opened up about grappling with Terry's battle with cancer - his initial diagnosis giving him six weeks to live, though he now, fortunately, has two-to-five years.
“We met through friends and football really, I was 18, so we've been married for 35 years now,” Heather said.
“I think once you accept you're not going to grow old together, this is still better than what we were looking at.
“We have to make the most of each day.”
Terry said it had been hard to grasp his prognosis in the early days.
“When they say you've got six weeks to live, it's very difficult. I had a fair bit of counselling from Albury Wodonga Cancer Centre,” he said.
Hickmott on board Terry’s Big Bearded cause
And speaking in front of media at the cancer centre last week, Terry said the reaction to the campaign had been "absolutely fantastic".
“We've raised almost $40,000 already and we've only been going for a few weeks,” he said.
The cause already has over 50 ambassadors signed on as of last week.
Starting his 30-year country football career as an 18-year-old, Terry said it had been a really good way to meet people over the years - with all his former football clubs onboard the cause.
Get behind Benalla Bushrangers in Good for Cricket raffle
He encouraged everyone to give what they could to the cause.
“It's really important, it helps not only myself but I think there is 1500 people who are diagnosed every year,” he said.
“Just anyway you can, if its $2, $20,000, we don't’ care what it is, as long as you donate.”
● Terry’s Big Bearded Ball Drop will be held in November at the Benalla Showgrounds.
Members of the community can purchase a numbered ball for $20 which will be dropped from a helicopter towards a target. The ball closest to the target will win a grand prize.
To purchase a ball or donate, and for those interested in becoming ambassadors, please head to www.balldrop.com.au
For more on the campaign, you can also check out the Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/bigbeardedballdrop/
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