Having a newborn baby is one of the happiest times in a couple’s life, but for the Rippingale family, it also became the most heartbreaking.

Experiencing worrying symptoms near the end of her pregnancy, 39-year-old Caity Rippingale underwent extensive scanning just days before her first child, Alfie was born, and received the devastating diagnosis of Glioblastoma, an aggressive and incurable brain cancer.

Glioblastoma is a brutal disease, fast growing, and while treatment can sometimes slow it down, there is no cure.

Their new life was supposed to be full of first smiles, sleepless nights, and beautiful chaos, but Caity and Joel are navigating the unimaginable, balancing new parenthood with countless hospital visits, treatments, and the heavy weight of uncertainty.

Close family and friends have begun a GoFundMe to help ease the financial burden as Joel is no longer able to work given he is now required to care for Alfie and Caity.

“We want to support Caity, Joel, and little Alfie to focus on what truly matters: time together, creating memories, and surrounding Alfie with all the love in the world,” Caity’s brother Daniel Tawse and friend Christina Houllis said on the GoFundMe page.

Now the CDHBU Football Netball Club is getting behind the family and hosting a brain cancer awareness day on June 14.

Board member Sarah Hanrahan and football vice president and Caity’s father-in-law Paul Rippingale said Caity’s time was precious and right now, every single moment with her family mattered more than anything.

“Joel is a former player and was also a captain at our club,” Sarah said.

“His family has deep ties here with his sisters Tayla and Abby (Talbot) actively involved but perhaps most notably, Joel’s dad, Paul, is our vice president and our football manager.

“He’s such a central figure in the club, and someone we all look up to.

“There’s a huge amount of respect and care for the Rippingale family, and when we heard the news, everyone just wanted to step up and support them however we could.”

On June 14 at Power Park Coreen, CDHBU will host a cake stall as well as raffles, bbq and more.

“Our club’s known for having some of the best bakers in the district, so there’ll be plenty of goodies on offer. We’re also collecting raffle prize donations, and any contribution, big or small, is a huge help,” Sarah said.

“The senior footballers have already stepped up in a big way donating part of their match payments to the GoFundMe, and the reserves have been running the BBQ.

“The netball girls are putting together a roster to sell raffle tickets on the day, and all proceeds from the cake stall and raffles and BBQ dinners will go directly to the family’s GoFundMe.

“It’s been incredible to see everyone pitch in to support Joel, Caity, and little Alfie.

“Support from outside the club has also already been incredible. We’ve seen Howlong FNC share the fundraiser post, which we really appreciate... it’s heartening to know the wider footy community is getting behind the cause.

“Outside the sporting community, the generosity from firefighters, individuals and local businesses has also blown us away.

“Lara from Silken Skin Spa Studio in Rutherglen has donated a full year’s worth of massages, Greenacres Motel in Corowa is offering two nights’ accommodation, and one local family has even donated a load of firewood—all to be raffled off on the day.”

Whilst Sarah and Paul urge the community to get along to the match next Saturday, the best way for anyone to help is to share the GoFundMe page far and wide.

“It's touched a lot of people's hearts; every bit counts; unfortunately bills still keep coming in,” Paul said.

“This awareness day is also what country footy clubs do, stick beside each other and look after our own.”

Joel and Caity have been incredibly overwhelmed by the show of love and support from the community.

Beyond the fundraiser, they’re passionate about using this moment to raise awareness for brain cancer.

“To support that, we’ll be sharing stories and information across our social media in the coming weeks, in line with their wishes,” Sarah added.

“Clubs like ours aren’t just about what happens on the field or courts. They’re built on community, loyalty, and looking after one another.

“When one of our own is doing it tough, we don’t hesitate—we show up, pitch in, and do whatever we can.

“That’s the heart of country footy, and it’s what makes clubs like ours so great.”

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Thursday, 16th October 2025

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