Wow.
I remember posting the blog at 10:15am yesterday and telling everyone that I hoped we might reach $1,000 in a week. I guess I underestimated the power of this community, because here we are — $1,937 in under 18 hours. It still doesn’t feel real.
People at camp keep coming up to me saying they’re proud of me. Donors keep saying they’re proud too. And honestly, I don’t fully understand why. I spent a few minutes setting up the fundraising page and maybe ten minutes writing the first blog post. It doesn’t feel like something that deserves praise.
But then I look at the total — nearly $2,000 — and I look at the names of the people donating, sharing, supporting. And I realise something important: this isn’t about me. It’s about the community my mum helped build around us. She left us in the best possible place — surrounded by people who care, who show up, who want to help. That kind of community doesn’t just happen. It’s created by people who love life and love each other.
Mum was one of those people. She loved everything — the birds, the trees, the sunrises, the sunsets, the moon. Even through cancer, she found reasons to smile. She found beauty everywhere. And somehow, even now, she’s still bringing people together.
Some days are rough, but I always come back to the same thought: I’m lucky. Lucky to have a line of people who want to support us. Lucky to have a community that refuses to let us stand alone. Lucky to have had a mum who taught me what love looks like in its strongest form.
So I guess this post is just to say: thank you. For donating, for sharing, for caring, for being part of this. Thank you for helping us carry her legacy forward.
Hey guys.
We are Farbod, Maya, Joey, and Ripley, four Year 9 students from East Doncaster Secondary College currently attending the School for Student Leadership in Marlo. As part of our project, we wanted to create something meaningful for our community, something that brings people together and supports a cause that truly matters to us. That’s how our idea, Lemons for Life, came to life. We’ll be running a lemonade stand at Templestowe Leisure Centre, with every dollar raised going directly to Cancer Council Victoria.
For me, Farbod, this project is deeply personal. My mum, Anahita, passed away on 28 February 2026 after a four‑year battle with ovarian cancer. Doctors told her she had six months, but she fought for four years with strength, courage, and love. She was a fighter in every sense, and her resilience is the heart of this project. Through Lemons for Life, we want to honour her legacy and support other families facing the same challenges.
We’re not just selling lemonade — we’re sharing hope, building community, and turning something sour into something meaningful. Every cup poured and every donation made helps continue a legacy of strength and compassion. Thank you for joining us on this journey and supporting Cancer Council Victoria. Together, we’re making something sweet out of something incredibly hard. Together, we’re Lemons for Life.
I’m fundraising for Cancer Council Victoria to help stop cancer.
Every year more than 35,000 Victorians hear the words ‘you have cancer’.
Thanks in part to generous Victorians, 7 in 10 of them will survive five years after a cancer diagnosis, but there’s still so much work to be done.
Cancer Council needs our support more than ever this year. Every dollar raised gives hope for a cancer free future. By supporting my event, you’re funding life-saving cancer treatments, prevention programs, and support services that ensure no one has to face cancer alone.
My Achievements
Profile picture
Updated story
Page shared
Raised $250
Raised $500
Raised $1000
Self donation
Reached fundraising goal
Increased fundraising goal
Thank you to my Sponsors
$54.12
Shiva Nikrouy
$17.16
Anonymous
$50
Marzieh & Payam
Dear Farbod, I’m very sorry for your loss. The strength and love you’ve shown in continuing this fundraiser is a beautiful tribute to your mother’s memory. What you and the team have done is truly admirable. Turning care and compassion into meaningful action to support the Cancer Council is something you should be very proud of. It’s inspiring to see the positive impact you’re making.
$54.12
Angus And Niyoosha Williams
Dear team, what a wonderful cause to be getting behind, you are all superstars! Farbod, you are going places my friend. Your mum would be absolutely beaming xxxx
$106.12
Leanne Knight
From Hayden Knight - fellow camper
$54.12
Mehri Atabaki
Dear Farbod, My heartfelt condolences. May your mother rest in peace. May you always feel her presence in the beauty of the world around you. 🌿
$54.12
Shayan S
Farbod - I know how proud Anahita would be to see your initiative, how you’ve stepped up to honour her memory and advocate for this cause. You’re an incredibly resilient and strong young man, and this is such a meaningful way to carry her legacy forward. Always here for you and your family ❤️
$55.50
Gevik Avetian
Dear Farbod May your mother rest in peace! Love the birds, trees, sunrises, sunsets and the moon for her for the rest of your life.
$50
Reza Emami
Farbod jan We love you
$54.12
Afsaneh Shafiei
$33.15
Anita Louise Skok
$42.64
Ita & Nima K
Farbod Jan, I’m sure your mom is very proud of you. She was such a lovely person. I’m very sorry for what Anahita and your family went through. Great job.
$33.15
Anonymous
Well done Farbod. Anahita is missed so much. Mum is proud of you Farbod jan.
$33.15
Azita Kargosha
Farbod janam, I love your idea of this fundraising. I am impressed by your kindness. Your mum will be in our hearts forever 💕
$33.15
Maneli
$54.12
Anonymous
Farbod Jon I am so sorry for what you are going through. Anahita will be missed by so many. God bless her beautiful soul! 🤍🤍
$33.15
Anonymous
$32.43
Carmen B
Great work Love Carmen!
$33.15
Shadi And Family
Dear Farbod, well done for turning your sorrow to hope. Your Mum saw beauty in everything. She is so proud of you, so we are.
$33.15
Reyhaneh & Payam
Farbod jan, Your mum was a wonderful person and she will be missed by so many. I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Your fundraising is a beautiful tribute to her and she will be so proud of you as always. Sending you love, strength and support. Well done Lemon for Life team!
$33.15
Lucy Taylor
I’m sure she would be so proud of you Farbod. Love from Olive and her family.
$54.12
Babak Pazand
All the best, Farbod jan
$54.12
Elisha Bruce Ripley And Gully Chan
Anahita you are the sunshine and the ocean that continues to radiate and flow through your children (and one day grandchildren) ☀️🌊 You will continue to live in in the memories of the last person to remember you... And we continue to think of you and remember. Your smile lit up the world.
$33.15
Anonymous
Dear Farbod & the team, How inspiring you are all! Mum would be so proud of you all, keep on inspiring us 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
$50
Luke Phillips
$106.12
Mahdis Sadeghi
With deepest condolences. May her memory always be a blessing. Sending love and strength to your family during this difficult time.
$54.12
Melika Seyghali
Hi Farbod Jan, Your idea of doing a fundraiser in your mum’s memory is very beautiful and meaningful. It’s a wonderful way to honour her and help raise awareness about ovarian cancer. 🤍
$106.12
Zoe & Wilton
What you four have done is truly admirable. Turning care and compassion into actions to support cancer council is something to be very proud of. To dear Farbod, we are sorry for your loss. The love and strength you show in continuing this fundraiser is a beautiful way to honour your mother's memory. Thank you all for the kindness and effort you are putting into this fundrasier. Your actions show how much positive impact young people can make.
$54.12
Sanaz Salehi
Inspired by the kindness and courage of the students supporting cancer patients. In memory of a wonderful mother❤️💖
$54.12
Maryam Sebti
Hi Farbod Jan I just saw your fundraiser. It’s a lovely way to honour your mum and help others. Wishing you lots of success with the project. ❤️🫂
$33.15
Anonymous
Dear Farbod I’m so sorry for the loss of your mum. Your dedication to raising funds to support people affected by cancer in her memory is truly inspiring and a beautiful way to honour her life. 💛
$33.15
Anonymous
Hi Farbod, I’m sorry for your loss. It’s impressive that you turn the sadness emotion into the motivation of moving forward and helping others. You are the pride of your family. All the best!
$22.58
Parvin Milani
Your beautiful mum picked the most beautiful in life, and you, as her youngest child, who is the sweetest everyone would wish to have, and you bring joy to all of us!
$50
Anonymous
$33.15
Anonymous
$54.12
Pegah Movafeghi
Hi Farbod, I can see how well you’ve picked up your third mother tongue - which is love . Always fill your heart with kindness and love a let your heart show you the way of life .She is so proud of you .
$54.12
Tara Rajabpour
We are all proud of you!!
$22.58
Sami Masoudi
Your mum is proud of you in heaven. 💙
$54.12
Josiah Moh
$50
Asal Mohajeri
Love you and so proud.
$17.16
Bella Roberts
Dear Farbod, Rocky told me his human is doing something really special to honour his mum. That deserves extra treats, extra walks… and a big tail wag from me. Go you! Love, Bella 🐾
$54.12
Mindy And Paul Roberts
Dear Farbod, What a beautiful way to honour your mum , turning love and loss into hope for others fighting cancer. Your mum would be incredibly proud of the difference you’re making in her honour.
$33.15
Isabella Etezadi
Wish you the best in your journey .
$260
Behrad Alashti
$22.58
Anonymous
Dear Farbod, I heard about your story from afar and I also know what a wonderful family you come from. When I read about what you have been going through, my heart truly went out to you. I want you to know that I am certain your beautiful mother would be incredibly proud of the young man you are. The love, strength, and courage you are showing say so much about you. A mother’s love never disappears it stays with us in a very deep way. I truly believe that her kind and free spirit is now at peace, and that she is watching over you with love and pride. Sending you warmth, support, and heartfelt wishes during this very difficult time. You are not alone. With kindness and respect.
$54.12
Daniel Etezadi
Proud of you young man , great to turning something so difficult into something that helps others. Your strength, kindness, and community spirit are truly inspiring. In memory of Anahita and in support of all families facing cancer.
$30
Anonymous
Hi Farbod, Appreciate your initiative for a great noble cause. I wish God to give you more and more strength to work for such a great motive. Keep going.
$54.12
Shiva Sadegh
Your mum will be dearly missed. I know she is watching over you and will always be proud of the person you are.❤️🕊️
$33.15
Ethan Hunter
I was really sorry to hear about your Mum. Thinking of you and your family.
$33.15
Daniel Orangi
Hope this helps! Best of luck on your journey and stay strong ❤️
$106.12
Arash Niavarani
Great job Farbod Your Mom’s souls rests in peace
$30
Ashkaan Orangi
All the best!!!
$33.15
Anonymous
Well done pesaram. All the best. ❤️
$33.15
Anonymous
$33.15
Azadeh Fakhfoori
Well done Farbod Jan, you should be so proud as your mum always and will be.
$27.81
Nazanin & Mehdi
What an incredible thing you are doing Farbod Jan . Losing your mum is unimaginably hard, yet you are turning your grief into something powerful by helping others. Your courage, kindness, and determination to raise money for cancer research are truly inspiring. Your mum would be so proud of you. Bravo for making a difference and giving hope to so many families. 💙
$200
Anonymous
A great cause, and also, we love the Snowy River SSL. Great work guys, wish you the very best.
$100
A Gift From Mum, With Love ❤️🌺❤️🌹
Hey Farbod, I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you. The way you’re thinking about doing something in Mum’s memory — it shows so much strength, love, and maturity. I know losing her has been the hardest thing we’ve ever faced, and yet you’re turning that pain into something kind, something that helps others. That’s exactly the kind of heart she gave you. Whatever you decide to do for the fundraiser, just remember this: Mum would be incredibly proud of you. She always believed in your kindness, your courage, and your ability to make the world a little better. Take your time, choose something that feels right, and know that I’m here beside you for every step. Love you,
Dear Farbod, you are a fenomenon and I'm honoured to be one of your team member not just because you are a great runner , you are so thoughtful, smart. resilient, determine and so kind. You are doing a fascinating job. Please be yourself and keep going the way as you started.