Commencing the journey in Townsville, The Kids’ Cancer Project is hitting the road calling on all Australians to get behind kids with cancer by supporting science. The bus will stop in 22 locations down the East Coast to spread the important message – kids with cancer need science.
Cancer kills more children than any other disease in Australia which is why Col Reynolds OAM, founder of The Kids’ Cancer Project, felt compelled to take the message on the road.
“Every year, 950 kids are diagnosed with cancer in Australia. The purpose of our road-trip, is to tell everyone that science is the solution to finding better treatments and a cure for childhood cancer,” he said.
Reynolds established the independent national charity in 1993 after discovering funding research and clinical trials were the only way to stop a children’s disease more deadly than any other.
Reynolds initially became aware of kids’ cancer when he was driving past a children’s hospital in 1983. He was moved to invest his time and energy into taking effected children on fun day trips. But after seeing too many children die or live with the effects of cancer, he realised he wanted to give them much more than just one day.
Local resident Orlando Morse, who was diagnosed at eight months is responding well to treatment but there are currently no curative options if he were to relapse.
“Research and funding is the way to get a cure,” said Oscar’s mum Tina Morse. “We feel that scientific research is the answer. We would give anything to have a cure for Orlando because he’s priceless. We want to encourage other people to give generously and get behind the science and research that will increase survival rates and find a cure. It’s when people work together that things can change.”
The Townsville event aims to bring awareness to the community, asking people to join The Science Project by making a pledge to support science that will save kids with cancer.
The Kids’ Cancer Project
The Kids’ Cancer Project is a national, independent charity committed to funding cutting-edge science to find better treatments and ultimately a cure for childhood cancer. With already more than $34 million invested, the team remains 100% committed to helping the 950 new kids diagnosed every year.
A list of current funded projects is here: https://www.thekidscancerproject.org.au/research/current-projects