Teams ready to rumble in fight against childhood cancer.
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
Teams ready to rumble in fight against childhood cancer.
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
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Some of WA’s biggest names are coming out swinging to raise funds for childhood cancer at PCHF’s inaugural Punching for a Cure fundraiser on April 4 at Rumble Boxing Subiaco.
With a bold goal of achieving one million punches over 24 hours, this event is more than just a fitness challenge – it’s a powerful opportunity to make a lasting impact in the fight against childhood cancer. Funds raised will support world-leading immunotherapy research led by Professor Nick Gottardo at PCH, to help kids like Luca.
Diagnosed with ATRT, one of the rarest and most aggressive forms of brain cancer, at just three years old, doctors gave Luca only 8% chance of survival. Yet, after months of intense treatment – including surgeries, chemotherapy, stem cell transplants, and radiation – Luca defied the odds.
Though Luca is now in remission, her journey is far from over. The effects of her treatment were severe, leaving her unable to walk for five months and still requiring regular MRIs every few months to monitor for signs of cancer’s return. But Luca is not alone in the fight. Luca’s dad, Scott, is just one of almost 330 Punching for a Cure participants. He’s joining his colleagues from Anglogold Ashanti to raise vital funds for life-saving immunotherapy research. Immunotherapy harnesses the power of a child’s own immune system to fight cancer and has the potential to reduce the toxic side-effects of chemotherapy and radiation, improving survival rates and giving kids a better quality of life.
Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation CEO, Carrick Robinson, said: “With the support of our donors, PCHF will be able to fund a range of world-class children’s cancer initiatives here in WA. This includes innovative immunology research, cutting-edge technology to enhance research data, studies to prevent life-threatening fungal infections in children with leukaemia, and oncology fellowships to nurture the next generation of researchers in WA.”
Punching for a Cure will see almost 70 teams take on the challenge to punch a bag non-stop for two hours, contributing to the event’s one million punch target, while also aiming to raise over $300,000 for vital research.
High-profile participants in the event include former UFC fighter Soa Palelei, former Miss Universe Australia Renae Ayris, WA cricketers including Mahli Beardman, Matt Kelly, Matthew Spoors, Nick Hobson and Sam Fanning, Spud King Tony Galati, renowned athlete and trainer Andrew Pap, TV and radio personality Dani Shuey, and much-loved PCHF mascot, Stitches the Bear.
“Our dream for the future of children’s cancer treatment is 100% cure rate, with no toxicity. We know that’s a very high bar, and the only way we are going to change the status quo is through research,” said Prof. Nick Gottardo. “Together, we can revolutionise care, reduce side effects, and inspire hope for a brighter future in kids and families not just in WA, but right around the world.”
Corporate teams taking part in Punching for a Cure include: Adenco, AngloGold Ashanti, ANZ, Australian Venue Co., Aveling, BDO Australia, BHP, Boutique Fitness, Brooks Hire, CBRE, City of Subiaco, Dapth, EY, Firesafe Group, First Home Builders, Gold Perth, Hassell, Herbalife, HFW, Macquarie, Mars Recruitment, Mills Oakley, Panorama Club, Qetra, Rumble Subiaco, Shoreline Chambers, SIA Partners, South32, Spudshed, Stan Perron Charitable Foundation, Swish Coffee, Technical Resources, Timpano Legal, The White Knight Fund, Toyota, Visagio, Warrikal, West to West Group and Whitefox.
Be a part of the fight against childhood cancer – donate today and help us reach our goal at Punching for a Cure.
