A Wall of Hope for WA kids with cancer.
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
A Wall of Hope for WA kids with cancer.
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
This Christmas, PCHF is calling on West Australians to ring in hope for kids facing cancer.
To launch the Foundation’s Christmas Appeal, three inspiring young PCHF Ambassador Kids unveiled a ‘Wall of Hope’ at PCH. Quickly filling up with hundreds of bells, the installation honours their courage and resilience, symbolising hope.
At the heart of the Appeal is the ‘end-of-treatment’ bell, a special tradition on PCH’s oncology ward. The ringing of the bell marks the end of months, or years, of treatment, recognising a patient’s strength, and hope for a healthier, happier future.
The of face this year’s Christmas Appeal, two-year-old Sonny, officially opened the Wall of Hope, before stepping up beside his family to pin the first bell.
Diagnosed with stage 4 renal cancer that had spread to his lungs just days after his second birthday, Sonny completed intense chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation at PCH earlier this year. Ringing the bell earlier this year marked the start of a brighter future.
Supporters were invited to donate and pin a bell to the wall, with all funds raised helping to drive world-leading research, cutting-edge equipment, and expert paediatric oncology care at PCH.
This year’s Appeal is backed by well-known West Aussies including Perth Scorchers players Chloe Piparo, Matt Kelly and Bryce Jackson, Western Force and Wallabies player Carlo Tizzano, and media personality Bec Marsh.
PCHF CEO Carrick Robinson said the sound of the bell carries far beyond the hospital corridors.
“When a child rings the bell, it’s not just the end of treatment. It’s a reminder of possibility and hope,” Mr Robinson said. “But it’s also a stark reminder: one in ten WA kids will never have the opportunity to ring it. That’s why we are asking the community to stand with them.”
“This Christmas, your support will help fund groundbreaking cancer initiatives right here in WA, bringing hope to more than 110 children and their families each year who face the heartbreak of a cancer diagnosis.”
Professor Nick Gottardo, Head of Paediatric Oncology and Haematology at PCH, said: “We are closer now than ever to treatments that don’t just save lives, but protect them. Our dream is 100% cure rate with zero toxicity. That’s a very high bar, and research is the only way to get there.“
“Immunotherapy is transforming cancer treatment in adults by harnessing a patient’s immune system to fight cancer. By supporting PCHF’s Christmas Appeal, you can help bring together world-class experts, advanced technology and leading researchers, to find answers. The discoveries made here have the potential to improve outcomes not only for kids in WA, but right around the world.”
Mr Robinson added: “Our Appeal is for the kids that have rung the bell, those hoping to, and those families living with unimaginable loss of never hearing it. Your generosity can help to change their story.”
Where your donations go.
- Ground-breaking immunotherapy research
World-leading research exploring how a patient’s own immune system is used to fight disease, with the potential to dramatically change treatment strategies and improve survival rates. - Cutting-edge equipment
X-Rad SmART machine
Supports preclinical research and enables accurate, child-specific radiation modelling, helping researchers better understand the effects of radiation on cells, refining treatments and potentially reducing side effects.
Apheresis machine
Filters and removes harmful blood components, offering a new treatment option for kids with relapsed leukaemia. - Physical activity and exercise program
A program that has already supported more than 100 children to improve physical and mental health, tolerate treatment better and maintain their quality of life.
Donate or learn more at pchf.org.au/donate
