Radiothon is an exciting time for patients who shake Batman's hand, meet Star Wars characters, and see talented acts sing and dance, like School of Rock, but it is also an important time for the Cancer Centre which receives generous donations that are essential in providing equipment and research that help children receive the best cancer treatment possible.

Centre stage on Friday were The Kids with Cancer Foundation, DOOLEYS Lidcombe Catholic Club and Kicking Goals for Sick Kids who all donated to the Cancer Centre which cares for several hundred young cancer patients every year but whose research and treatment goals rely heavily on community support for funding. 

The Kids with Cancer Foundation

Peter Bodman, the Founder and Executive Director of The Kids with Cancer Foundation presented a phenomenal $226, 252 to fund two Oncology Social Workers who will play an important role in supporting families from the initial cancer diagnosis, through treatment and into recovery. Peter, and his wife Vittoria, also make monthly visits to families in the oncology ward, providing morning tea, as well as giving financial assistance directly to families of children with cancer. Through their care and support they make a tremendous difference to the lives of young people with cancer.

DOOLEYS Lidcombe Catholic Club

Julie Milsom, an Executive Manager at DOOLEYS Lidcombe Catholic Club, presented a massive $100,000 to the Children's Cancer Research Centre to help researchers test new and more effective ways of treating cancer. DOOLEYS conduct a variety of fundraising activities for The Children's Hospital at Westmead each year including City2Surf, the Bandaged Bear Appeal and the DOOLEYS Christmas Fair. For our young Oncology patients they also knit warm, colourful beanies regularly.

Kicking Goals for Sick Kids

Joe Zouein and Ann-Marie Boumerhe, organisers of the Kicking Goals for Sick Kids fundraising event, presented a gigantic $133, 000 to the Oncology, Heart and Neurology departments. During the eight years this annual 24-hour soccerthon has been held it has contributed an enormous $684, 000 to the Children's Hospital at Westmead. Even the challenge of a blackout during this year's event didn't overcome the immense enthusiasm and generosity of the professional footballers, kids, mums and dads, and hospital staff who took to the pitch to raise funds to help the hospital care for sick children.

The extraordinary amount of time, effort and financial support that The Kids with Cancer Foundation, DOOLEYS Lidcombe Catholic Club and Kicking Goals for Sick Kids dedicate to the hospital enables it to provide life-changing treatment, equipment and research for children. Thank you for everything you do.

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