An SMSF webcast hosted by Momentum Media to fund an SMSF specialist’s cancer treatment has smashed its target and raised over $17,000.
Act2 Solutions' Helen Molloy and SMSF specialist accountant and tax agent Brooke Hepburn-Rogers, who was diagnosed with Stage IV Gliosarcoma, an incurable brain cancer, in October last year.
On Tuesday, 6 June, Momentum Media, self-managed superannuation funds (SMSF) brand SMSF Adviser, and the SMSF industry joined hands to host a webcast with a dual purpose.
The primary objective was to raise funds for industry colleague Brooke Hepburn-Rogers, an SMSF specialist accountant and tax specialist who was diagnosed with Stage IV Gliosarcoma – an incurable brain cancer – in October 2022.
Simultaneously, the SMSF industry was treated to an update on the SMSF landscape in 2023 by three leading SMSF specialists, who also detailed the impacts of the latest government proposals and recent case law on the SMSF sector and its members.
Ms Hepburn-Rogers – the founder and managing director of Canberra-based Foxton Financial – has already undergone weeks of radiation and chemotherapy. She will have to undertake chemotherapy every 28 days for the rest of her life.
She recently discovered an immunotherapy treatment in Germany (which is not available in Australia) that could prolong her life from months to years. However, she needs to raise $50,000 to access this treatment.
Momentum Media is proud to announce that thanks to the generosity of the SMSF industry, we successfully raised $17,4000 through the webcast to fund Ms Hepburn-Rogers’ cancer treatment.
On top of this, the wider community and Ms Hepburn-Rodgers’ network has opened their hearts and wallets and generously donated on her GoFundMe page, bringing her total amount of funds raised to over $24,000. The page is still open for donations.
A story that touched hearts
When Ms Hepburn-Rogers shared her story with her colleagues and peers at the SMSF Association National Conference in Melbourne earlier this year, it not only moved them to tears, it spurred them into action to assist her with her treatment.
In particular, Act2Solutions’ general manager Helen Molloy and Smarter SMSF CEO and co-founder Aaron Dunn organised this webcast to provide the SMSF sector with technical knowledge, while raising funds for this worthy cause.
In her opening address in the webcast, Ms Molloy said the webcast would provide support and uplift an “incredible individual in our industry”.
“You’ll be helping provide hope and determination as we rally around a brave woman fighting an unimaginable battle,” she said.
“The webcast is more than just a technical session. It’s a testament to the power of community, compassion, and unwavering hope. It’s an opportunity for us to show our support both emotionally and financially, and to remind [Brooke] that she’s not alone in this fight.”
Ms Molloy praised Ms Hepburn-Rogers for being inspirational to her wider community by displaying resilience and strength as she fights for her life.
“She’s a cherished daughter, a selfless member of the community, a beloved friend, and a remarkable human being. She’s much loved by her clients… and by many friends within the SMSF industry,” Ms Molloy said.
“Her spirit shines brightly, even in the face of the greatest challenge one can endure.”
Ms Hepburn-Rogers thanks industry
While Ms Hepburn-Rogers could not personally attend the webcast as she was overseas on a holiday with her family, she thanked Momentum Media, the SMSF Association, the presenters, and the wider industry for their support via a video message.
“It’s very humbling. It’s a little bit overwhelming,” she said, fighting back tears.
“When Helen and Aaron first told me about it, there were some tears. People forget about the cost of cancer, especially in Australia where a lot of the treatments that are available and seem to be getting really good results haven’t been approved here. So, we have to do those expensive trips to Europe.”
Ms Hepburn-Rogers added that the funds raised would help her pay for the treatment in Germany (which costs $38,000), along with flights, accommodation, and food for herself and her mother.
“Thank you very much for joining this fundraiser to help me,” she said.
“It’s a little bit embarrassing because I kind of feel like ‘why me’, I’m not going to lie. [But] this help is amazing.”
Mr Dunn – one of the specialists who provided SMSF specialists with an update on the SMSF landscape for 2023 – said helping raise funds for Ms Hepburn-Rogers’ treatment has been “truly rewarding experience”.
“Having worked with the team at Momentum Media and SMSF Adviser for a long time, it was a natural fit to reach out to them to help run this livestream fundraising event,” he said.
“From the original agreement to participate, the approach to delivering this event has been first class and I cannot express enough thanks to everyone within the Momentum team who helped deliver a wonderful event and reach the target we were after for Brooke's treatment in Germany.”
Comprehensive updates from trusted specialists
Attendees at the webcast also heard from Heffron managing director Meg Heffron, who outlined the repercussions of the government’s proposal to impose an additional 15 per cent tax for SMSF members with balances of $3 million or over and what advisers would need to consider for impacted SMSF clients.
Cooper Grace Ward partner Scott Hay-Bartlem examined how recent case law would impact the SMSF sector and what it means for the payment of super death benefits, dealing with fund succession, and the lessons advisers could apply to their SMSF clients.
SMSF Adviser deputy editor Miranda Brownlee hosted a Q&A session with Mr Dunn, Ms Heffron, and Mr Hay-Bartlem to answer questions submitted by attendees.
The webcast was fully accredited by the SMSF Association, with attendees receiving three accredited CPD hours.
To donate to Brooke Hepburn-Rogers’ cause via her gofundme page, click here.