Michele, Author at Child Cancer Research Foundation

Anastasia’s Research Journey: From PhD to Postdoc

Published: October 10th, 2023

Anastasia Hughes, a dedicated PhD student supported by the Child Cancer Research Foundation, has recently graduated, making a significant milestone in her journey as a cancer researcher. Her experience at the Telethon Kids Cancer Centre has been filled with memorable moments, intriguing research, and valuable life lessons.

With a real interest in the tumour microenvironment, Anastasia thrived in her PhD project in the Leukaemia Translation Research team that specifically looked at the leukaemia microenvironment.

“The complexity of this system really interests me,” said Anastasia. “I’m excited by the potential of therapeutically targeting the microenvironment to treat cancer. I believe these therapies will be important for the treatment of leukaemia in the future, so I hope that the work I completed during my PhD has moved us closer to harnessing this potential.”

For those considering a PhD in cancer research, Anastasia offers some valuable advice. “You will find it to be extremely rewarding,” she shared. “All PhD projects require a lot of hard work and perseverance, so it is a great motivation knowing that the work you are doing is helping children with cancer.”

As she bids farewell to the Telethon Kids Cancer Centre, Anastasia holds a mix of emotions. Completing her PhD is undoubtedly a huge achievement, but it’s also bittersweet as it marks the end of her time with the Leukaemia Translational Research Team. However, she is fortunate to move to another team within the Telethon Kids Institute, meaning she can still stay connected with her colleagues and the inspiring environment that has shaped her journey.

Anastasia’s new role is a postdoctoral researcher in the Mitochondrial Research Research Team. This position allows her to continue her journey in medical research, delving into mitochondrial biology and disease.

Anastasia’s journey from a passionate PhD student to a postdoctoral researcher is a source of inspiration for aspiring researchers. We congratulate Anastasia on her incredible achievement, and we wish her all the best as she continues her meaningful career.

Willie’s Heartfelt Mission

Published: October 5th, 2023

At the Child Cancer Research Foundation, we are constantly inspired by the incredible individuals who step forward to support our mission of fighting childhood cancer. One such individual is a familiar face at the Leisure Inn in Rockingham, a wonderful character known as Willie.

Willie’s uncanny resemblance to the legendary Willie Nelson isn’t the only thing that makes him special – it’s his unwavering dedication to raising funds for our foundation that truly warms our hearts.

Thanks to Willie’s tireless efforts, encouraging patrons to donate whatever they can at the bar, we recently received a generous donation of $2,515 from the Leisure Inn.

Willie first became involved with our cause last year when he dyed his hair bright pink to raise funds for our foundation. To date, he has raised just under $4,000 for CCRF, and he is not stopping there. Willie, together with Leisure Inn Manager Sally, he has set an ambitious goal for next year: to raise an impressive $10,000.

Willie’s motivation to support our foundation runs deep, as his family has been affected by the gruelling disease. Willie’s dedication and commitment to making a difference is truly inspiring and we’re proud to have him as part of our extended CCRF family.

The Leisure Inn has now stepped up in its support for CCRF by hosting one of our convenient Quest Donation Point Taps. These payment systems provide the opportunity to accept donations electronically and securely at any location.

Willie’s dedication and the Leisure Inn’s commitment are shining examples of the power of community support in the fight against childhood cancer. We are so grateful for their generosity, and we look forward to achieving greater milestones together.

If you would like to support Willie’s mission, make a donation towards childhood cancer research and mention Willie or the Leisure Inn in the notes!

Choose Your Researcher

Published: October 3rd, 2023

Get ready for some friendly rivalry at Cycle for a Cure! We’re thrilled to have not one, but two outstanding researchers from the Telethon Kids Cancer Centre joining us on the exhilarating four-day adventure from 19-22 October.

Meet Darcy, a former competitive cyclist turned Honours Student. He is currently assisting the research into new preclinical models for neuroblastoma, a complex childhood cancer of the nerve cells and the most common solid tumour in children outside the brain.

In the other corner, we have James, another dedicated student researcher delving into the effects of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia on bone marrow blood vessels, aiming to uncover new therapeutic targets.

Darcy and James both understand the significance of raising funds to allow their important projects to continue. Let’s see who can raise the most funds in this exciting showdown for a great cause! We invite you to be a part of this thrilling competition for an incredibly meaningful cause. Choose your researcher and help support the vital research into childhood cancer.

DONATE TO DARCY
DONATE TO JAMES

A Journey of Compassion: Back on Track in the Pilbara

Published: September 26th, 2023

In the sun-soaked Pilbara last September, the education team from Back on Track, with Program Director Kylie Dalton, led the way to a heartfelt mission: to provide educational support to all children in Western Australia who are battling cancer.

The goal was straightforward – connect with families, schools, and services in this remote region. The team shared the Back on Track program with the community and let them know about the incredible help they can provide to any child diagnosed with cancer in Western Australia.

Back on Track is a Child Cancer Research Foundation initiative that ensures that children who go through cancer treatment do not fall through the cracks with their education due to the enormous strain treatment can have.

“What I experienced was truly humbling,” shared Kylie. “The gratitude from every person we met was overwhelming. Families, schools, and services warmly embraced us.”

It was apparent that childhood cancer had tested these families, but hope shone through. With Back on Track‘s help, the team promised to bring the enthusiasm back to their child’s education.

“For me, this journey was my passion, knowing that we held the power to make a lasting impact in the lives of all children with cancer across the whole of Western Australia,” explained Kylie.

Location and distance should not deter an organisation from providing its services where it is needed most. When a child survives cancer, their hopes and dreams deserve to survive, too.

Head to our Back on Track website to learn more about this important initiative.

Telethon Kids Cancer Centre Researcher Joins Cycle for a Cure

Published: September 26th, 2023

Cycle for a Cure is an exhilarating four-day event, set to kick off from 19-22 October. Nestled in the scenic Fairbridge Village, cyclists will embark on a unique journey each day, all while raising funds and awareness for childhood cancer research. We are thrilled to introduce you to an incredible ambassador of the revamped event: Darcy Pirotta, an Honours Student at Telethon Kids Cancer Centre.

Once a competitive cyclist who competed all around the world, Darcy decided to pivot his life’s direction towards studying and research when COVID hit. Today, he is an Honours Student at the Telethon Kids Cancer Centre, where he contributes to the ground-breaking research that aims to find more effective treatments for children with cancer.

Darcy is currently assisting the research into new preclinical models for neuroblastoma, a complex childhood cancer of the nerve cells and the most common solid tumour in children outside of the brain.

While his cycling career might feel like a distant memory for Darcy, his passion for research and his commitment to making a difference for children with cancer are very much alive.

8 Tips to Get Prepared for Cycle for a Cure

Published: September 9th, 2023

Gearing up for Cycle for a Cure? You’re about to set off on an exhilarating adventure that combines your passion for cycling with the important cause of childhood cancer research. Here are eight essential tips to help you get ready for four days of cycling through rugged terrain and awe-inspiring scenery.

Get Training

Preparation is key, and that starts with physical training. As experienced cyclists, we are sure you have already started your training regimen well in advance of the event. A great way to get ready for Cycle for a Cure is to gradually increase your distance and intensity. We also recommend incorporating hill climbs to mimic the challenges you may face during the event.

Choose the Right Gear

Selecting the right bicycle and equipment is important for making you feel confident and capable. Ensure your bike is in excellent working condition and consider getting it professionally tuned up ahead of the event. We have some awesome cycling gear for you to get fitted up in. Our jersey, shorts, socks, and water bottle will enhance your comfort throughout the ride.

Shop our Cycle for a Cure merch

Canadian Club of WA Joins Terry Fox Run for Childhood Cancer Research

Published: September 5th, 2023

Canadians in Perth are bringing the annual Terry Fox Run to Western Australia for the first time as the Canadian Club of WA (CCWA) forms a team to run and walk in the largest fundraising event in support of cancer research in the world. A non-competitive, family-friendly event, this year’s 43rd edition of the Terry Fox Run will be held on Sunday, September 17 with events worldwide, including now in Western Australia.

In 1980, Canadian Terry Fox began running across Canada to raise money for cancer research. Three years earlier, in 1977, Fox had been diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer) in his right leg and had his right leg amputated 15 cm above the knee. During his Marathon of Hope campaign, Fox ran an average of 42 km every day for 143 days before being forced to end his run on September 1, 1980 when the cancer spread to his lungs.The Terry Fox Run continues to be held annually in Fox’s memory with people around the world running and waking to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.

Funds raised as part of Terry Fox Run events worldwide are donated to cancer research. In forming their first-ever team for this year’s Terry Fox Run, funds raised by the Canadian Club of WA team will be donated to local Perth charity, the Child Cancer Research Foundation. The CCWA has already raised more than $1,000.

The Terry Fox Run is an annual Canadian tradition and many Canadians in WA participated in Terry Fox Runs growing up in Canada. Forming a team for this year’s run is an opportunity for the club to introduce this tradition to the next generation of Canadian-Australians. With the club and its members based in Western Australia, the CCWA felt it was important to support a local cancer research charity.

Father’s Day Raffle Winner!

Published: August 31st, 2023

Congratulations to the winner of our Father’s Day Raffle! Paul C. has won a Typhoon Tools toolbox and tools valued at over $1,300. For everyone else who entered, you may not have won but, with all proceeds supporting the vital research into childhood cancers, you have helped to make a real difference for children with cancer. For that, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. For your next chance to win big, keep an eye on our website and social media channels. We guarantee this won’t be our last raffle with an incredible prize up for grabs!

Permit Holder: Andrea Alexander | Permit Number: LS220535323 | Draw Date: 31/08/2023

Write your Will for FREE with Safewill

Published: August 29th, 2023

Writing a Will is an important step in ensuring that your loved ones are taken care of after your passing. However, many people put off writing a Will because they think it will be expensive and time-consuming. Not anymore!

From September 4-10, our partner Safewill, Australia’s leading online Will writing platform is offering all our supporters the opportunity to write a bespoke Will for free. It takes as little as 20 minutes to complete, is reviewed by their affiliate law firm, Safewill Legal, and comes with a year of free and unlimited updates.

The Will you create through Safewill is legally binding and reflects your wishes. The platform will guide you through the process and if you have any questions or concerns, their customer support team is available to assist you!

Once you have taken care of your nearest and dearest, you may even consider leaving a gift to help future generations live cancer-free. The Child Cancer Research Foundation is proud to be partnering with Safewill, giving you the option to leave a charitable gift to our foundation to help make a difference beyond your lifetime.

Even leaving just 1% of your estate will help make a real difference for children with cancer and their families. If you’re not in a position to leave a charitable gift in your Will, don’t worry – you can still write a Will for free this week!

Complete your Will today whilst saving $160 along the way. Head to our Safewill website from September 4-10.

Go Gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month!

Published: August 24th, 2023

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shine a spotlight on the gruelling disease and the need to improve diagnosis, treatment and outcomes.

More children die from cancer than any other disease in Australia. While medical advancements have improved survival rates, there is still much work to be done. Research is crucial to finding better treatments, reducing side effects, and ultimately, finding a cure.

Here are some ways you can help raise awareness and support childhood cancer research:

Wear Gold
Gold symbolises childhood cancer awareness. Throughout September, wear gold ribbons, clothing, or accessories to show your support and start conversations about the cause. You can purchase gold ribbons from our office at 3/100 Hay Street, Subiaco WA 6008. A ribbon can be purchased with a gold coin donation towards our cause.

Include Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in your work or school newsletter
If your workplace sends out regular newsletters, we would love it if you considered including an article about Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September. We are more than happy to help write this for you! Simply contact our team by calling (08) 9363 7400 or by emailing [email protected]

Share posts about Childhood Cancer Awareness Month on your social media
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram, where we will be sharing relevant information about childhood cancer all throughout September and beyond. You can help us get the message out by sharing our posts to your friends and family.
Our Facebook Page
Our Instagram Page

Create your own fundraising event
Why don’t you host your own fundraising event this September? Some potential fundraising ideas include a morning tea at your workplace, a quiz night, sausage sizzle or a high tea. Please contact us with your fundraising ideas so we can help you in any way we can! Simply send an email to [email protected] or call our office on (08) 9363 7400.

Share stories
One of the most powerful ways to raise awareness is by sharing stories of brave children and their families. Sharing your own story about your experience with childhood cancer can help in many ways. Not only will it help educate people not affected by childhood cancer, it will also help other families know that they are not alone.

If you decide to share your story on social media, we would love to see it! Make sure you tag our Facebook page (@childcanceresearch).

We hope you will consider helping us raise awareness for childhood cancer research during the month of September. Your support is so vital for us to continue our important work, to ensure more children can go on to live the lives they deserve.

When we come together as a community, we can make a significant impact in the fight against childhood cancer. Let’s spread awareness, support affected families, and strive towards a future where children can live cancer-free.