A Journey of Hope: The Story of Children’s Cancer Institute
In 1975, two families faced every parent’s worst nightmare: childhood cancer. Robbie Lough, just two years old, and Helen Kasses, six, were both battling leukemia at Sydney Children’s Hospital. Amidst their anguish, their parents, Jack Kasses and John Lough, recognized a glaring gap in medical research: the urgent need for more comprehensive studies into childhood cancer.
With determination born from desperation, John Lough approached his local club, the Apex Club in Wollongong, with a plea for help. Together, they launched a national fundraising campaign, “Help a Kid Make It,” setting an ambitious target of $1 million. Yet, within just one year, the Apex clubs surpassed expectations, raising $1.3 million. This monumental achievement laid the foundation for what would become the Children’s Cancer Institute.
Established in 1976, the Children’s Cancer Institute emerged as a beacon of hope for families grappling with the devastation of childhood cancer. The institute’s inaugural research unit, aptly named “The Apex Centre,” opened its doors in 1984, marking the beginning of a groundbreaking journey towards better treatments and, ultimately, cures for childhood cancer.
Over the years, the institute has grown exponentially, fueled by a steadfast commitment to research excellence. Today, it boasts a team of over 300 dedicated researchers, students, and operational staff, all united in their mission to eradicate childhood cancer. Their efforts have yielded remarkable results, with world-first discoveries and groundbreaking advancements in personalized medicine.
Thanks to the tireless work of the Children’s Cancer Institute, childhood cancer is no longer the death sentence it once was. Survival rates have soared to over 80%, offering hope to countless families facing this harrowing diagnosis. Yet, despite this progress, the fight is far from over. Every week, three children still lose their lives to cancer, underscoring the urgent need for continued research and innovation.
The institute remains unwavering in its dedication to its singular cause, remaining the only independent medical research institute in Australia wholly focused on curing childhood cancer. And with the impending construction of Australia’s first-ever Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre, located in the Randwick Health and Innovation Precinct, the institute is poised to usher in a new era of progress.
This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a nexus of research and clinical care, accelerating the translation of groundbreaking discoveries into life-saving treatments for children with cancer. It represents a beacon of hope for families around the world, bringing us one step closer to the day when every child can be cured of cancer.
Watch the full story of the Children’s Cancer Institute, as featured on Industry Leaders, and join us in our unwavering commitment to a future free from childhood cancer.