Montu today renewed its commitment to rare cancer patients, confirming its return to the Kosi Challenge in partnership with Rare Cancers Australia.

On 14 March 2026, a team drawn from across Montu’s clinical, operational and corporate functions – including Chief Executive Officer Myles Lawlor – will climb Mount Kosciuszko, raising funds and awareness for Australians living with rare, less common and complex cancers.

Rare cancers account for around one in four cancer diagnoses in Australia, yet are responsible for more than half of cancer-related deaths, reflecting persistent inequities in research funding, clinical trial access, and patient support.

Jodie Thomas, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Patient Advocacy at Montu, said the Kosi Challenge reflects Montu’s belief that healthcare leadership must extend well beyond the clinic.

“Across healthcare, the people who struggle most are often those whose conditions do not fit neatly into established pathways,” Ms Thomas said.

“That can mean someone living with a rare cancer, managing a complex chronic illness, or navigating emerging treatment options where evidence and access are still evolving.

“Rare cancer patients are too often left to piece together their own care, facing delayed diagnoses, limited treatment options and a system that was never designed for the complexity of their disease.

“At Montu, advocacy means ensuring that patients who fall outside traditional care pathways are neither invisible nor unsupported – a commitment we share with Rare Cancers Australia.”

The Kosi Challenge, organised by Rare Cancers Australia, brings together patients, clinicians, researchers, industry and community members to climb the highest peak in Australia in solidarity with those affected. Since its launch in 2013, it has raised millions of dollars to fund patient navigation, clinical trial access, advocacy and research for rare and less common cancers.

Myles Lawlor, Chief Executive Officer of Montu Australia, said the company’s participation in the Kosi Challenge demonstrated its commitment to patients whose needs sit outside traditional care pathways.

“I’ve met too many patients who feel like they’re carrying their illness on their own – pushed between appointments, forms and systems that don’t always see the whole person,” Mr Lawlor said.

“Climbing alongside our team and in support of people living with rare cancers is my way of saying: you’re not alone, and you matter. 

“Patient-centred care isn’t just something we talk about at Montu – it’s something we show up for, even when it’s hard.”

In the lead-up to the event, Montu team members will share their training journeys and personal motivations, highlighting the human stories behind the statistics and the real impact of Rare Cancers Australia’s work.

Montu invites clinicians, patients and the broader public to follow the team’s progress on LinkedIn and to support the cause by donating via the Montu Mountaineers fundraising page.