Michele, Author at Child Cancer Research Foundation

New podcast series offers hope to young cancer families

Published: March 29th, 2023

They’re the stories of courage and strength as told by WA families, as they look back on their battle with childhood cancer and into the future. New Australian podcast Little People, Big C is set to leave listeners with hope, inspiration and in awe of guest’s fortitude, regardless of their connection to childhood cancer. The Child Cancer Research Foundation together with Lotterywest, is proud to announce the one-of-a-kind unscripted podcast series that offers listeners a glimpse into the world of childhood cancer with the mission to keep research funding at the forefront.

“This is a first for a charity in Australia, and certainly in WA, to see the benefits of storytelling using podcasts” says Chief Operating Officer, Kylie Dalton.

At the helm of the empowering and informative 10-part series, is award-winning TV journalist and producer, Cassie Silver, who takes listeners on the emotional and courageous journey that comes with childhood cancer. Sitting down with families, survivors, scientists, and clinicians; the series offers hope and comfort to Australian cancer families, whilst educating those completely removed from the cancer world.

“The series shines a light on a dark topic, by offering comfort to those in the fight but also educates the rest of us on the importance of research”, says Cassie Silver.

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Back on Track WA

Published: March 28th, 2023

When a child survives cancer, their hopes and dreams deserve to survive too

A life should be long and full of stories, experiences, and adventures; and a cancer diagnosis should only rob us of time, not opportunity. This couldn’t be more true for our young Australian population who are yet to make their mark on the world. We know cancer in childhood or adolescence impacts significantly on school attendance, experiences and educational outcomes. Children undergoing cancer treatment already miss out on enough, and education shouldn’t be one of them.

With the launch of a new advocacy-based program, the skies the limit for Australia’s young cancer survivors and patients in remission. A first of its kind in WA, the Back on Track initiative ensures children who go through cancer treatment do not fall through the cracks with their education due to the enormous strain treatment can have. Instead, they’re armed with the resources and support they need to feel empowered to chase their dreams and succeed in the classroom and beyond.

Over the past few years, parental concern for their child’s education following diagnosis has been researched and documented by the Child Cancer Research Foundation, including noting reductions in academic performance, ability to participate in school and school-related activities and the need for education professionals and school peers to receive information specific to their child’s needs.

Write your Will for FREE!

Published: March 20th, 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!

Safewill is an online platform that allows you to create a Will quickly and easily from the comfort of your own home. To celebrate Free Wills Week, Safewill is offering you the opportunity to write your Will for FREE from 20 March to 26 March.

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 before 26 March!

Support childhood cancer research at HBF Run for a Reason

Published: March 15th, 2023

After a three-year break, Western Australia’s biggest community run is back on Sunday 21 May! The HBF Run for a Reason is an always-popular event that brings together thousands of people to run, jog or walk for a cause close to their hearts.

If you are interested in being part of this incredible event, consider supporting our Foundation and the vital research into childhood cancers! Childhood cancer is a devastating disease that affects thousands of children each year in Australia. By fundraising for our Foundation at this year’s HBF Run for a Reason, you can help make a real difference in the lives of these children and their families.

Signing up for the HBF Run for a Reason is easy! Simply visit the website and register. You can choose from a range of distances, from a 4km walk to a full marathon, depending on your fitness level and goals. When you are asked which charity you would like to support, simply type “Child Cancer Research Foundation” into the search box and our name will appear.

Our Foundation relies heavily on donations from the community to fund research, and every dollar counts. When you sign up for the event, you will be asked if you want to create a fundraising page for our Foundation. When you say yes, all the hard work will be done for you! All you need to do is share the link of your fundraising page to your family and friends who can show their support by making a secure donation online.

Participating in the HBF Run for a Reason is not only a great way to support a worthy cause, but it’s also a fun and rewarding experience. The event brings together people of all ages and fitness levels, and the atmosphere is electric. You will feel a sense of accomplishment as you cross the finish line, knowing that you have made a real difference in the lives of children with cancer.

So why not sign up today and join thousands of others in supporting this worthy cause? R EGISTER NOW!

Swimming to Rottnest in memory of a friend

Published: March 3rd, 2023

Sian Munks is a shining example of how one person’s determination can make a difference in the fight against childhood cancer. Inspired by her family-friend Blake Wilson, who sadly lost his battle with leukaemia in November 2020, Sian decided to participate in the South32 Rottnest Channel Swim to raise funds for childhood cancer research.

“Four years ago, the Wilson’s – my second family – got some devastating news that the lovely Blake Wilson was diagnosed with leukaemia,” Sian explained. “The next two years were filled with ups and downs as Blake fought hard to beat this cancer. However, he unfortunately lost his battle.”

The South32 Rottnest Channel Swim is a 19.7-kilometre open water swim from Cottesloe Beach to Rottnest Island, held on Saturday 25 February. Sian knew it would be a challenge, but she was determined to complete the swim and raise money for a worthy cause in memory of her beloved friend.

After 5 hours and 3 mins, Sian crossed the finish line on Rottnest Island. “Conditions were close to perfect and I completed the swim faster than I was aiming for, which I am happy with,” expressed Sian.

Sian reached a final fundraising total $2330 through her Facebook Fundraiser page, thanks to her generous family and friends who got behind the cause.

Sian’s tremendous efforts are a reminder that every person can make a difference in the fight against childhood cancer. Whether it’s participating in a charity event, donating money, or simply spreading awareness, every effort truly does count.

Congratulations and thank you to Sian for completing the South32 Rottnest Channel Swim on behalf of our foundation. The funds Sian has raised will ultimately benefit other families who are going through the same challenges that Blake’s family had faced.

Congratulations to our raffle winners!

Published: February 28th, 2023

Congratulations to our latest raffle winner who has just won $15,000! This raffle was drawn Tuesday 28 February (Permit Number: LS218522622) and we are excited to announce that the winning ticket was no. 307423.

A big thank you to everyone who supported this raffle and helped raise funds for the vital research into childhood cancers.

We also congratulate our Ruby Club Bonus Draw winner, Sara from WA, who has just won $1,000 cash! When you join our Ruby Club, not only do you go into our $15,000 draw, but you are also automatically entered into exclusive monthly draws to win $1,000.

Our next raffle for $15,000 is now open, with our next winner being drawn on 30 June. If you want to give yourself more chances to win big, you can also sign up to our Ruby Club.

Rebecca’s Charity Picnic

Published: February 15th, 2023

One of our most committed and passionate supporters, Rebecca Kenna-Gardiner, is once again taking it upon herself to help make a difference for children with cancer. With a strong desire to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer research, Rebecca has decided to organise a picnic to gather support for the cause.

The picnic is set to take place at the picturesque Sir James Mitchell Park on Saturday 11 March from 11:00am. Tickets are just $30 each, with all profits going towards the vital research into childhood cancers.

Attendees will be able to enjoy some delicious grazing boxes from Catering with Bindi Bindi while overlooking the beautiful city of Perth.

Rebecca encourages everyone to come along to the picnic where they can make some new friends and enjoy our glorious sunshine while supporting a very worthwhile cause. Tickets can be purchased here.

Nambung’s Last Country Music Muster Raises $5000 for CCRF

Published: January 25th, 2023

The Nambung Country Music Muster, presented for the last time by Brian and Gloria White, brought music lovers together to enjoy great tunes and country fun from 20 October to 23 October, 2022.

“A wonderful weekend was had by all, even with a few showers of rain on the Sunday afternoon,” said Gloria. “An exceptional programme of Country Music was arranged by our musical directors Terry Bennetts and Evan Platschinda, enjoyed by a crowd of approximately 1,400 people.”

Held 2 hours north of Perth at Nambung Station, the event has taken place on the third weekend of October every year since 2016. Sadly, with the organisers and volunteers getting older, 2022 was Nambung’s last Country Music Muster.

Over the past seven years, the muster has showcased a diverse line-up of music, boot scooting and bush poetry. It has also held a small contingent of food stalls and local handicrafts for attendees to enjoy.

The popular annual event was not just about providing a great weekend for attendees, but it also raised money for local charities. To help support the vital research into childhood cancers, $5000 of the funds raised from the 2022 event was donated to our Foundation.

Over the event’s seven-year lifetime, an amazing total of $130,000 has been donated to selected charities. “Every attendee, volunteer and musician can be very proud of their contribution to this achievement,” expressed Gloria.

A big congratulations to Brian and Gloria for running such a successful event over the past seven years. Our Foundation is honoured to have been a beneficiary.

Photo credit: Alison Kruger

Consulate Court Christmas Lights Shines Bright for CCRF

Published: January 19th, 2023

Last December, the residents of Consulate Court in Thornlie once again lit up their street for the Child Cancer Research Foundation, spreading holiday cheer to the community through incredible light displays.

Thanks to the hard work of these residents and the thousands of visitors to the street, we reached an amazing fundraising total of $27,265.35! From the children who dropped their pocket money into collection tins, to the adults who used our digital donation tap points, we are so grateful for everyone who has helped support our important cause.

Get Ready for Empties Day

Published: January 17th, 2023

On Saturday 28 January, Western Australians are encouraged to visit their local Containers for Change refund point to ensure their festive empties don’t go to landfill.

Each summer, roughly 420 million containers are sold in WA – that’s $42 million worth of bottles just waiting to be cashed in and donated to charity. Containers for Change is dedicated to taking these empties and recycling them so they can live another life, curbing the amount of rubbish we’re putting into the planet.

Containers for Change accepts most plastic water bottles, juice boxes, beer bottles, and pre-mixed spirits bottles. They also accept plastic soft drink bottles up to 3L. If you’re in doubt about what you can cash in, check your container’s label for the 10c mark.

Once you’ve collected your eligible containers, all you need to do is take them to your closest Containers for Change refund point. With over 260 refund points across WA, there is sure to be one near you! You can find your closest refund point by heading to the Containers for Change website, where you can also find more information about how it all works.

When you use the Child Cancer Research Foundation’s Scheme ID when submitting your refund, you will be helping us on our mission to see more children live the long and fulfilling lives they deserve. Our Scheme ID is C10285275.

So, don’t let your 10c containers’ potential go to waste! Celebrate Empties Day by doing your bit to help the environment AND support the vital research into childhood cancers.

P.S. If you’re busy on Saturday 28 January, don’t worry – simply return your containers on a day that better suits you.