15 kids with cancer on race car at Bathurst International

Sydney, New South Wales Nov 11, 2022 (Issuewire.com) - Racing car driver Jimmy Vernon is competing at the Bathurst International this weekend with the faces and names of 15 kids with cancer from around Australia on his car.  Near 800 children aged 0-12 are diagnosed with cancer each year, and the Jimmy Vernon Racing Team has dedicated its 2022 season to competing for these kids, raising awareness of childhood cancer, and generating fundraising and donations for the Kids with Cancer Foundation (Australia).

So far this year, Jimmy has won four from four rounds in the Australian Production Cars Championships, A1 class racing around Australia (Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide), and he is looking forward to Round 5 at Mount Panorama, Bathurst - the season finale - hoping to continue his winning streak for the kids. Jimmy Vernon will also be displaying his car - with the faces of the fifteen kids with cancer on the roof - in the Circuit to City Parade in Bathurst on Thursday 10 November at 4 pm.

Jimmy Vernon said: "This year has been so rewarding both on and off the track. To be able to spread awareness and raise much-needed funding for the Kids with Cancer Foundation all over Australia has been a huge success. Bathurst is going to be so special for the final round, we have 15 superheroes riding in my car with me as we try to win the National Championship. You couldn't pick a better race track in Australia!"

Jimmy and his team have pledged 20 percent of all corporate sponsorship funding to the Kids with Cancer Foundation for 2022 and beyond. The children to be featured on Jimmy's race car come from all over Australia, they are:

20-month-old Ashton, from Sydney, NSW, diagnosed with Congenital Acute Myeloid Leukemia

In November 2020, at just five days old Ashton was diagnosed with Congenital Acute Myeloid Leukemia and started chemotherapy immediately at The Children's Hospital Westmead. In November 2021, Ashton received a bone marrow transplant and since then has continued with regular appointments and check-ups, growing and developing every day - walking climbing, smiling, laughing, and into everything. Kids with Cancer Foundation has been working with Ashton and his family to provide support throughout their challenging journey (follow Ashton's journey on Facebook).

3-year-old Knox, from Central Coast, NSW, diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Knox presented to the Emergency Department at The Children's Hospital Westmead in March this year, following a minor fall from his play equipment. After days of testing, it was sadly confirmed that Knox had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) - a rare and serious form of childhood blood cancer. Following diagnosis, Knox commenced treatment, which is expected will continue for two years with an intensive phase of 6-8 months.  Kids with Cancer Foundation have provided financial support towards the payment of their electricity bills and grocery vouchers.

4-year-old Quinn, from Dubbo NSW, diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Quinn was transferred to The Children's Hospital Westmead from Dubbo Hospital after presenting with a runny nose and high fevers. Quinn was initially thought to have suspected meningococcal, however, after days of testing, it was sadly confirmed that Quinn had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) - a rare and serious form of childhood blood cancer.  Quinn commenced treatment, which is expected to continue for at least two years with an intensive phase of 12 months. During this time, Quinn has been immunocompromised, susceptible to infection, and required multiple visits to the hospital both as an inpatient and outpatient. So far, the Kids with Cancer Foundation have helped Quinn's family with the provision of grocery vouchers and will be working with them throughout their journey.

12-year-old Sheldon, from Inverell, NSW, diagnosed with T-Cell Leukemia

Sheldon has been treated at John Hunter Children's Hospital in Newcastle since her diagnosis in May 2021.  She suffered a stroke resulting from her treatment.  Kids with Cancer Foundation have helped Sheldon's family with school uniforms, electricity bills, grocery vouchers, home insurance, and rates and also covers the cost of accommodation whilst they have to attend the hospital for important appointments.

12-year-old Dominic, from Brisbane QLD, was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma of the spine

Dominic has diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma of the spine in May 2022. He is being treated at Queensland Children's Hospital, with treatment including surgical intervention and chemotherapy.

11-year-old Bella, from Bairnsdale, VIC, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia

Bella was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia on 25 January 2022. She has been having her chemotherapy treatment at Monash Children's Hospital, Victoria, and will continue treatment for around 2.5 years. Kids with Cancer Foundation has been working with the family since the beginning of this year, providing assistance including a wig for Bella to help her regain confidence during chemotherapy. Bella's Great Grandfather and his brother were keen speed car drivers. Bella's family has fond memories of his stories from his glory days racing with a young Jack Brabham at Tracie's Speedway in the early days of motorsport.

5-year-old Audrey, from Adelaide SA, was diagnosed with Wilm's Tumour

In late May 2022, Audrey was diagnosed with Wilm's Tumour and commenced her treatment at the Women's and Children's Hospital Adelaide, which included chemotherapy, and will shortly begin radiation therapy at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Audrey and her family are being assisted by Kids with Cancer Foundation, including Kids with Cancer providing Audrey with a wig to help her regain self-confidence after losing her hair during treatment.

3-year-old Wyatt, from Cranbourne, VIC, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Wyatt was diagnosed in June 2022 and immediately started treatment at Monash Children's Hospital in Victoria - where he will undergo treatment for around 2.5 years. Kids with Cancer Foundation has recently provided financial support towards the provision of grocery vouchers.

3-year-old Liam, from Endeavour Hills, VIC, diagnosed with Neuroblastoma

Diagnosed with Neuroblastoma in October 2021, Liam has been very unwell and spent a lot of time in the pediatric intensive care unit. His initial treatment was at Monash Children's Hospital, but Liam has spent many months at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne for more intensive treatment and has just finished many weeks of radiation treatment at Peter MacCallum Hospital. Kids Kith Cancer Foundation has been working with Liam's family, including providing grocery vouchers.

2-year-old Mary, from Rowville VIC, diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Since her diagnosis, Mary receives weekly treatment at Monash Children's Hospital - where she delights in the Care Packs provided by the Kids with Cancer Foundation. Kids with Cancer Foundation has also been supporting Mary's family by providing grocery vouchers.

8-year-old Luca, from Burwood, VIC, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Luca is being treated at Monash Children's Hospital in Victoria, where his treatment will last for around 2.5 years. Kids with Cancer Foundation are working to assist Lucas and his family, including providing grocery vouchers.

4-year-old Archibald (Archie), from Beechboro, WA, diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

In his family, Archie is the youngest of three boys, and he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in September 2021 and is being treated at the Perth Children's Hospital in Western Australia. Archie received a bone marrow transplant in January this year and continues to have regular check-ups and monitoring. Kids with Cancer Foundation have provided financial support towards the payment of their rates bill, grocery vouchers, and car registration. 

12-year-old Brandon, from Baldivis, WA, diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Brandon was diagnosed after presenting to the Perth Children's Hospital in April 2021.  Since then, Brandon's treatment has consisted of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, which led to a prolonged hospital due to acute liver failure after the transplant. Kids with Cancer Foundation have provided financial support to Brandon's family, including petrol and grocery vouchers.

Kids with Cancer Foundation (Australia) supports children with cancer and their families by providing financial support, critical hospital salaries and infrastructure, cancer research, Care Packs, wigs, and more. 100 percent of direct donations made to the Kids with Cancer Foundation go directly towards supporting kids with cancer. To fund operational costs, the Kids with Cancer Foundation runs three $2 'Winners Choice' lotteries each year.

To learn more, visit www.kidswithcancer.org.au

Media Contact

Kids with Cancer Foundation

jess@kidswithcancer.org.au

http://www.kidswithcancer.org.au