This heartbreaking statistic drives researchers at the Children's Brain Cancer Centre (CBCC), a centre that has proudly been supported by The Lott by Golden Casket and Children's Hospital Foundation for the past seven years.
Once again, this year The Lott by Golden Casket has donated $500,000 to boost world-first research into paediatric brain cancer, treatment and survivorship. This includes working on life-saving innovations, such as a potential vaccine to treat brain tumours and how the drug Palbociclib can boost the effectiveness of radiotherapy.
A hallmark of the Children's Brain Cancer Centre is the emphasis on moving discovery science into the clinic. Recently, researchers discovered that the drug CT-179 could delay the recurrence of the tumour medulloblastoma in laboratory models. The finding is now set to be moved to the clinic, leading to new combination therapies that are less toxic, more effective and improve outcomes for these young patients.
The long-term support from The Lott by Golden Casket has enabled Children's Brain Cancer Centre researchers to take innovative approaches by providing a funding horizon that encourages significant advances. For example, in 2026 the world's first trial using mRNA vaccines to treat cancer in children will be opened nationally to children with brain cancer - a CBCC initiative that will be delivered with partners in every paediatric cancer centre in Australia.
In addition to the CBCC funding, another $1 million from state lottery taxes has been given to support the Children's Hospital Foundation's work supporting sick kids and their families.
Children's Hospital Foundation CEO Lyndsey Rice said sustained investment from long-term partners like The Lott was vital to changing the odds for kids with the toughest diagnoses.
"Unlike many other cancers, progress in childhood brain cancer has been painfully slow. Survival rates have barely improved in three decades, largely because research in this field is chronically underfunded," Ms Rice said.
"Together, The Lott by Golden Casket and Children's Hospital Foundation are giving children with brain cancer the one thing they need most - hope that the odds can finally change."
The Lott by Golden Casket spokesperson Matt Hart said he hoped the donation paved the way for world-leading breakthroughs for not only Queensland children but also children and families worldwide.
"It's thanks to our customers and retailers that we have a proud long legacy of supporting sick kids through the Children's Hospital Foundation," Mr Hart said.
"Through this partnership, we hope our contribution continues to make these impactful differences in paediatric care."
To support the Children's Hospital Foundation and their world-leading research, you can purchase a Play for Purpose ticket in support. Not only will at least 50% of your ticket go directly to the charity, but you'll also be in with a chance to win a First Prize Pack, plus hundreds of other great prizes.
