20/12/2024
Cancer came into our home when my big sister got diagnosed at 11 years-old. You can see in this pic that my sis is donning a wig. I think she wore the wig plenty ‘coz of the kids at school. A lot of the other kids thought they could catch cancer, even off me. Any family that’s been through this savage mess can tell you that cancer changes Christmas.
Cancer doesn’t wait until Christmas has passed and there are many families out there who are navigating treatment right now, instead of giving treats around the tree. Our holiday season becomes flooded with tears.
Very few people understand this like the titans at the Children's Cancer Institute do.
Through the Zero Childhood Cancer National Precision Medicine Program (ZERO) the Children’s Cancer Institute has made Precision Medicine available to every child diagnosed with cancer in Australia.
And as of today 2000 kids have received treatment through that program. That is 2000 children being genetically guided to their best possible treatment. 2000 Christmases that are being given the best chance.
All me and my sister Connie ever wanted was Precision Medicine for all patients - or genomic screening - upon diagnosis. It’s available for every child now. Precision Medicine is coming for all, all too slowly, but it’s heartwarming to know that we take care of our treasured kidlets first.
LYS proudly supports the Zero kids program and has done for a good while now. While this is totally their victory, we are one of many who have helped get them there, and I’m a bit puffy about that, especially ‘coz I know how much it can knock young families about.
The whole team there has found themselves on Santa’s 'nice’ list forever, where they belong.
xsam
Children's Cancer Institute