Our Story: How One Day Began
One Day was born out of heartbreak, hope and a determination to fight back against cancer - a disease that has touched so many of our lives. A series of tragedies, driven by the Big C and only months apart, left businessman and mad golfer Rodney Frost reeling.
But as he tried to process the pain he and his family were feeling, and reached out for support among friends, he realised how many people were suffering the same way. The backstory for the charity stretches back to December 2022 when two tragedies struck Rodney and his extended family.
On December 16, 2022, Rodney’s business partner in the Philippines lost her husband, Mario Monteiro, to cancer after a short but intense fight.
Mario was not only a beloved husband and father to his two daughters Margaux and Graciela and his son Gerome, but also a cornerstone of his family’s business. His loss was deeply felt by all who knew him.
Only nine days later, on Christmas Day, 2022, cancer would strike closer to home. Rodney and his family received devastating news: his sister-in-law, Alison Longmire, had been diagnosed with cancer.
At just age 40, with a devoted husband and two beautiful young children, Alison’s diagnosis was a cruel blow. In the months that followed, it became clear her illness was terminal, yet Alison faced her battle with extraordinary courage and selflessness, inspiring everyone around her.
As Rodney's family went through this difficult time, more tragedy struck. Rodney’s close friend and golf partner, Mark Johnston, began experiencing back pain in May 2023, which he initially thought was from work or golf. Tragically, it turned out to be a tumour on his spine. Mark was diagnosed and, within just four weeks, passed away on May 3, 2023.
Fourteen days later, on May 17, Rodney was gathered with his mates at the Castle Hill Country Club to remember Mark when he realised that it was going to take a concerted effort from everyone to help end cancer.
He shared an idea: what if they could channel their grief and love into action? What if they could play golf for 24 hours straight to raise money for cancer research?
His mates immediately got on board and Alison was the first volunteer. The next step was finding the right charity partner - one that was passionate, transparent and committed to ensuring every dollar raised went directly to research, not administration.
During a visit with Alison, Rodney was given a book called "The Story So Far," which featured Alison’s name thanks to a thoughtful friend who had reached out to Love Your Sister - a charity created by Samuel Johnson and his sister Connie Johnson after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Inspired by their mission and the founders' extraordinary efforts, Rodney reached out to Sam from Love Your Sister and was reassured that every cent would go straight to the researchers.
With the enthusiastic support of the Castle Hill Country Club board - especially Steve Kemp, who championed the cause - One Day became a reality.
22 golfers played under lights for 24 hours using glow-in-the-dark balls and battling fatigue to raise an incredible $104,379.
The following year One Day's now 59 golfers from Windsor Golf Club and CHCC pushed the bar even higher, hitting $262,422 - a remarkable $182 for every minute of golf played. And every cent went directly to cancer research.
In 2025, the aim is to reach $500,000.
Sadly, Alison, our first volunteer and the heart of our cause, passed away on August 16, 2023. Her courage and generosity continue to inspire everything we do.
One Day is more than a charity golf event. It’s a community united by loss, love, and the determination to create a future free from cancer. Every swing, every step, and every dollar brings us closer to that goal.
Together we can vanquish cancer.
