These superheroes don’t wear capes, but their contribution to cancer research is monumental.
The Cancer Crusaders, a Point Cook-based auxiliary for the Royal Children’s Hospital, have raised more than $400,000 for the hospital since they started fundraising less than five years ago.
The group of 12 – with help from their family and friends – now funds a brain tumour clinical trial at the hospital and do their utmost to raise $100,000 a year to keep the trial running.
Cancer Crusader Ruth Murray said when the group started funding this project, less than 7 per cent of children with brain tumours were offered the chance to take part in the trial. Now, 94 per cent of eligible children have that chance.
“We haven’t actually been touched by cancer, we do it in celebration of having healthy children,” Ms Murray said.
“We’re a small group of passionate people trying to make a difference – in treatments and in outcomes.”
The group works tirelessly throughout the year to bring in the dough for sick children in need, hosting stalls at the Royal Children’s Hospital, bake sales, a Christmas market night, annual dinner dance and some high teas.
Their most recent dinner dance netted more than $22,500.
Earlier this week, the group also received a $10,000 Commonwealth Bank grant towards their cause.
“It’s the easiest $10,000 we’ve raised,” Ms Murray laughed.
“We’re ecstatic. It takes the pressure off this year’s fundraising.”
Fellow member Anne Stone added: “Not that we’ll take the foot off the pedal, though!”
Cancer Crusaders are currently selling tickets for their Oaks Day event on November 8, at The Views in Werribee. The day includes lunch, sweeps, raffles and a silent auction.
For more information and to book, go to www.cancercrusaders.org.au
