REACH child cancer is a registered not for profit charitable organisation founded in Christchurch NZ.
REACH stands for Research, Education, & Awareness of Child cancer & Hematology.
REACH is also the acronym of the initials for each child of the founding mothers.
REACH child cancer will fund the ongoing development of the Circulating Tumor DNA project. This will provide a means for oncologists to better treat childhood cancers by ensuring ongoing treatments are well targeted and effective to improve the life of children with cancer. In turn this will reduce the need for hospital visits and also remove barriers to those who may have poor access to hospital care. REACH will increase awareness of child cancer and its effects and promote the gold ribbon which is the international symbol of child cancer.
Remembering Eddie, Aaliyah-Rose, Charlotte and Harley
Eddie
A beautiful and bright soul who would light up the darkest of rooms with his laughter, dancing, and shenanigans. Eddie battled stage 4 Neuroblastoma for half his life and instead of celebrating the start of school he passed away just a week after his 5th birthday. This is one of the many reasons and drive behind the need to push for more research in order to better the survival odds for other children diagnosed.
Aaliyah-Rose
A brave little girl with a big heart who was diagnosed with LCH (Langerhans cell histiocytosis) just two weeks after she was born. She received oral chemotherapy 7 days a week and intravenous chemotherapy once every 3 weeks for the first two years of her life.
Charlotte
A wonderful young girl who moved to New Zealand with her mum, dad and twin brother for a better life. She was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma shortly after their arrival and had to be flown to Australia for special treatment because it was not available here in New Zealand.
Harley
A radiant little boy who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma the day he was born. Because of the treatment Harley received, his brother and sister were often unable to attend primary school and preschool because his immune system would not be able to cope with the risk if he caught a virus.
Did you know?
Child cancer is not just one disease but over 40, and the same types of cancer often react differently to the same treatments. A lot of people are not aware that child cancer often has a lifelong impact.
34% of children die within the first 30 years.
19% of children will suffer from a life threatening chronic health condition within 30 years.
25% of children will suffer from a moderate chronic health condition within 30 years.
Only 22% of children will live a healthy life for 30 years.
Child cancers are researched 7000 times less than adult cancers.
Thanks to our supporters
