Today I had the great pleasure of launching the Children's Cancer Institute Community Fundraising Campaign in Brisbane's New Farm Park.
There are few, if any, things in life as deeply saddening as childhood cancer. At today's launch I was inspired by the courage of a young fellow named Jake who was been diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive cancer that attacks the nervous system.
As a cancer survivor myself I found Jake's story uplifting and it reinforced to me the importance of community support for vital organisations like the Children's Cancer Institute of Australia.
Childhood cancer remains a significant killer nationwide and unfortunately it is the largest killer of children who die from disease in Australia.
That's what makes it co critical that we keep focused on working towards a cure.
The Children's Cancer Institute of Australia is a highly professional and committed organisation with the heart and know-how to lead the way.
The Institute has been leading the research effort against childhood cancer since 1976 and now employs over 160 staff and students, including more than 100 scientists.
They are some of the best cancer researchers in the world and have made groundbreaking discoveries about the most common childhood tumours and leukaemias.
They have also made huge advances in many of the major medical fields that combine to improve treatment and reduce fatalities, like early detection, understanding the biology of cancer, experimental modelling and technology use.
Their work is respected around the world and I am confident that it will lead to increasing rates of survival and cure for children diagnosed with cancer. But these efforts require financial support.
That's why the CCIA has now embarked upon a community campaign to raise further funds to consolidate its growth and support 80 new world-class researchers dedicated to saving lives.
The organization has my personal support and today I am calling on the community to support the organisation financially in whatever way they can, no matter how large or small.