2020 marks forty years of funding paediatric cancer research by CIKA and we had planned to acknowledge this remarkable milestone with a number of key events and new initiatives. 

COVID-19 has interfered with these plans but we are determined they will eventually come to fruition as children are still being diagnosed with solid tumours and more research is needed. Many CIKA members have personal experience of the havoc that a diagnosis of cancer wreaks on families so our commitment to funding research is unwavering. 

We know that now is not the best time for major fundraising when so many people have been affected by the pandemic. As a result we have made the decision to use previously accumulated funds until the world gets back to normal.  We hope that this will be soon.

So, no requests.......simply a good news newsletter, accompanied by our gratitude for your continuing support.   

Stay safe.

Starting small by raising $2,000 in 1980, CIKA grew because of an absolute conviction that more research needed to be funded.  The following year saw that amount increase almost tenfold with $19,163 resulting from the efforts of CIKA’s growing band of volunteers.  The new millennium saw CIKA’s fundraising reach six figures at $130,165, almost double the amount raised in 1999.  CIKA has continued to raise over $100,000 every year since then and by the end of last year the combined total had passed the four million dollar mark.
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Our $40 for 40 Years appeal had an amazing boost recently with a $10,000 donation from Kaye Haslam. Kaye joined CIKA in the very early days and knew all the founding members. As for so many of our members, CIKA helped her through a very tough period after she lost her son, Marshall, shown below at the age of five. Had he lived he would now be 41.  Read more by clicking here.

Despite the difficulties imposed by these trying times, the work of the MCRI Tissue Bank is continuing thanks to the dedication of the staff at the Children’s Cancer Centre. We have received a report from Tissue Bank Coordinator Louise Ludlow who is currently working from home.  To read her update please click here.

A short video about the RCH Tissue Bank was produced in the lead up to the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal this year. This video included recognition of the support provided by CIKA to the Tissue Bank. You can watch the video by clicking here.

As you all know, all RCH stalls have been suspended until further notice. This has left CIKA with unsold stock that has to be stored in the homes of our volunteers. It was a particular problem with some of the Easter stock until stall volunteer, Anne, came up with a brilliant idea. 
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