Brave Kids
Source: Perth Voice and Fremantle Herald, November 5, 2021
PERTH LANDMARKS will light up red-and-blue on November 15 for Beat Child Cancer Day.
For every dollar donated to the Children’s Leukaemia and Cancer Research Foundation in the lead up to the day, major donors will match the amount up to $75,000.
The foundation hopes to raise lots of money to help brave child cancer patients across the state, like Nora Holly who was diagnosed with the rare neuroblastoma when only eight months old.
Nora was fighting for her life as the tumour was crushing her spinal cord and mum Naomi said the grief was unimaginable.
The youngest of three kids, Nora’s grandparents became like second parents to the two young boys while mum was caring for Nora 24/7 at the hospital.
One of the few bright lights during Nora’s long and gruelling time in hospital was Captain Starlight and the Starlight Express Room, a place of fun and entertainment for sick kids in hospital.
Along with 10 other kids from hospitals across the country, Nora came up with sketches for the Playmakers Holiday Colouring Book. For every copy sold, $1 will be donated to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Now aged six, Nora is living life to the max with her loving family life in Gooseberry Hill.
To find out more and to donate see beatchildcancer.com.au and starlight.org.au.
Meanwhile, the Leukaemia Foundation is campaigning for a higher overall standard of treatment for people with blood cancers.
There is a 13 per cent disparity in survival rates for blood cancer based on where a person lives, according to a recent Australian study.
People treated outside metropolitan areas are 37 per cent less likely to receive treatment that complies with current guidelines, and each year 1375 Australians unnecessarily die from blood cancer.
“By the end of today another 50 Australians will be told they have blood cancer and sadly, almost four will needlessly die because of the inconsistencies in care based on where a patient lives,” Leukaemia Foundation CEO Chris Tanti says.
Treatment
“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change this and save 1375 Australians from dying every year by setting national standards, ensuring all patients get the same access to the best treatment.
“We are fortunate to have one of the best healthcare systems in the world.
“But that doesn’t mean much to a patient and their loved ones when there is inconsistencies in access to treatment across various parts of Australia. It’s time to bridge this divide.”
A recent Australian study found that when clinical best practice is applied, the risk of death from some blood cancers decreases by 40 per cent.
To find out more about the Leukaemia Foundation’s campaign go to www.setthestandard.org.au