This is a really special episode, recorded just at the end of 2020. No parent ever expects to lose a child. This is the exceptional story of Liz Dawes. Incredibly brave, courageous and positive, Liz lost her 18 year old son Connor to paediatric brain cancer in 2013. In this episode, Liz shares about the beauty of her son’s life and Connor’s Run, the remarkable legacy she has created for Connor. Eight years on, she has grown Connor's Run and The RCD Foundation to be the biggest paediatric brain cancer foundation in Australia and Connor’s life is powerfully encouraging and impacting families all across the globe. Her TED Talk has inspired many.Towards the end of our chat we share a beautiful moment as Liz talks about living with grief and the paradox of hope and pain. I'm so thankful for this powerful conversation, it gives us a beautiful perspective on the precious gift of life.A little bit about Connor //In September 2011, 17-year-old Connor ran from his home in Sandringham to the boat sheds on the Yarra. He'd started his training for the upcoming rowing season early, as he wanted to make the Brighton Grammar 1st VIII. Not loving running, he did the 18.8 km because he was determined to be the best he could be. Two months later, Connor was diagnosed with an anaplastic ependymoma. Despite major surgery, massive physical and mental rehabilitation, intense radiation later chemotherapy -- Connor never stopped smiling.Liz started Connor’s Run as a tribute to Connor’s life and over the past 8 years, Connor’s Run has evolved into Australia’s biggest event for paediatric brain cancer with thousands of young runners now participating in the event.Liz was named in Australian Financial Review’s 100 Women of Influence 2018 and was nominated for Australian of the Year Award 2017.In today’s episode Liz shares:Tales of her brave and cheeky son Connor, whom she lost to childhood brain cancer,How she and her family coped with tragedy and what life is like for her now,How tragedy and pain can actually lead to something beautiful,That blessings that can happen amidst tragedy,The risk she took to bravely create the most beautiful legacy for Connor’s (that has turned into the largest event for brain cancer awareness in the WORLD),How despite being in a global pandemic, over 4,000 people rallied together and raised 1.3 million dollars,How Connor’s life is now encouraging and impacting families all across the globe,How she has found hope and connections with other families facing similar journeys,How she navigates grief and continues to take risks and dream big.Here's to the Risktakers.I hope you are inspired by Liz’s story. :)Much love, Nat xoConnect with Liz via:Instagram: @rcdfoundationhttps://www.connorsrun.com/https://rcdfoundation.org/https://www.lizdawes.org/Liz's TED Talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRMqOy2zgd4&feature=emb_logo