In 2009 I announced the launch of my new cancer fund dedicated to raising money for children’s cancer in partnership withCancer Council NSW. My fund, Tim Cahill Cancer Fund for Children aims to raise over $500,000 over the next two yearsand I am very pleased to say that we have currently raised $315,000. This is fantastic news and means that my fund will deliver much-needed assistance to help prevent and ultimately defeat cancer in the future.
Thank you to everyone who is assisting me in reaching my goal.
Like many Australians I’ve had the experience of hearing that someone I care for has cancer – and it’s tough. It’s worse when there’s a child involved. I know that Cancer Council makes a real difference for kids and their families.
I’ve got three kids of my own. I can’t imagine what it would be like to see any one of them going through cancer.
I just want to do my bit and make sure that all kids are given the opportunity to grow up and live a healthy, happy and active life, like I did.
Despite developments in treatment, one in every five children diagnosed with cancer still loses their life. The most common cancers in children include leukaemia, cancers of the central nervous system and lymphoma.
“It was only fifty years ago that a diagnosis of cancer as a child was a virtual death sentence, with only 5 per cent of children surviving,” said Dr Andrew Penman, CEO at Cancer Council NSW. “Today, nearly 80 per cent of children survive, thanks to breakthroughs in research. But even those who survive often face an uncertain future, knowing their cancer could return at any time.”
Dr Penman said the money raised by the Tim Cahill Cancer Fund for Children will be devoted to defeating children’s cancer, through prevention, education and support, as well as through vital research projects.
“Cancer Council NSW is currently funding a number of children’s research projects, such as the first paediatric clinical trial that will help identify leukaemia patients who are
at high risk of relapse. The study will allow clinicians to tailor individual chemotherapy treatments at an early stage, and has the potential to benefit children in Australia and around the world.”
“We’re thrilled to be associated with Tim. His determined attitude couldn’t be a better fit with our mission at Cancer Council – to defeat cancer,” added Dr Penman.
To donate to my fund, the Tim Cahill Cancer Fund for Children, visit the Cancer Council Donation website or, call the donor hotline on 1300 780 113 (winthin Australia) or +612-9334-1843 (outside Australia). Donations of $2 and over are tax deductible.
Cancer Council is the leading cancer charity in Australia; its work has been the focus of public action, public giving, and public communication about cancer for more than 50 years. Cancer Council’s work impacts on a local, national and international level.
I am also proud to associate myself with the following charities: