Ambassador
Simon Black is an Australian Rules football legend and one of the most celebrated players in the game. Humble, hardworking and gifted with incredible football skills. A loyal team man, he valued group achievements over the many individual accolades he received.
Whether at an elite or grassroots level, nurturing talent is Black’s passion, and in 2015, he redefined the Academy space with the launch of the Simon Black Australian Rules Academy.
Following time as Midfield Coach at the Lions, in 2017 Simon turned his focus to growing the Academy and his media commitments with the Triple M footy team.
In mid 2019, Simon embarked on an incredible journey as a contestant on Network 10’s Survivor Australia (Season 4). Throughout the show Simon showed fans his undying loyalty, humility and his sheer grit and determination. Survivor has widened Simon’s appeal outside the traditional football audience and reminded the Australian public why he is one of the AFL’s all time greats.
Outside of football, Simon and his wife Catherine live in Brisbane with their three kids Lachlan, Lucas and Evie.
Corporate Ambassador
Josie combines fifteen years of corporate experience with two decades of coaching and consulting to corporate executives, entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders. She has held senior positions at BHP and is a multi-award winning coach, international speaker, author, single mother and two-time cancer survivor.
Over the years, Josie has proven herself a dedicated and generous supporter of Childhood Cancer Support, taking every opportunity to fundraise and spread good news about who we are and what we do.
Alongside being a proud Corporate Ambassador for Childhood Cancer Support, Josie has won numerous global awards including the Gold Stevie Award for Maverick of the Year (Difference Maker) for 2014 and 2015, and she received an Award for Global Humanitarian in 2019.
A portion of Josie’s proceeds from her inspiring and motivational products return to Childhood Cancer Support. You can view her story and her videos and interviews here.
Bundaberg Family Ambassador
Ruth began her association with Childhood Cancer Support in January 2017 when she and her family moved into the Herston long-term units for six months while her son received treatment at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, South Brisbane. They appreciated the home-away-from-home accommodation, and the connections made with other families through regularly hosted events onsite, and invitations to special events such as the EKKA Family Day, Camp Crystal and the Childhood Cancer Support Christmas party. They experienced first-hand the care and commitment that Childhood Cancer Support provides to the many regional families affected by a childhood cancer diagnosis.
Since then, Ruth and her son have been supported by Childhood Cancer Support with accommodation at the short-term housing facility at Woolloongabba and this has cemented Ruth’s commitment to Childhood Cancer Support in providing support to regional families. From being a family receiving support, Ruth is humbled to now being able to offer support to the families in her local Bundaberg region as a Childhood Cancer Support Family Ambassador.
Cairns Family Ambassadors
Our family first became aware of and involved with Childhood Cancer Support in October 2018 when our 13 year old son, Hudson, was diagnosed with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma.
We live in Cairns and we had travelled to Townsville for Hudson to see a paediatric urologist in October 2018 never expecting that they would find and identify a tumour. Hudson was then airlifted to the Queensland Children’s Hospital and we had not thought beyond getting
him to Brisbane for medical treatment. A few days after we got Hudson settled in hospital Childhood Cancer Support made contact and offered us long term accommodation whilst we
were in Brisbane. We had no idea that Childhood Cancer Support existed or what their role was in supporting regional families whose children are suffering from cancer. We were
amazed that Childhood Cancer Support not only offered us accommodation but we were able to walk into the fully furnished unit and make it our own without any cost – a home away from home. This had a tremendous impact upon us – it allowed us to focus our energy on supporting Hudson and relieved us of the pressure that would have otherwise been felt trying to rent accommodation in Brisbane whilst also paying a mortgage in Cairns.
Not only did Childhood Cancer Support provide for us physically, they provided us with a community, somewhere we felt we belonged and supported. Having other families present on site who are undergoing similar journeys and the opportunity for the children to make and keep connections was also vital. Being so far away from home leaves you disconnected from family and friends at a time in life where you need to draw upon the strength of others and it can leave you feeling isolated and lonely. Childhood Cancer Support provides access to a social worker, creates opportunities to get to know staff and to develop relationships with other families whether this be talking to your neighbours or going to specifically organised events put on by Childhood Cancer Support – e.g. Christmas parties, Halloween party, looking at Christmas lights, family BBQ’s; weekly coffee, cake and catch-up sessions.
Rick is a clinical nurse working with post-acute patients and Stacey is a psychologist working with children and families. We are both honoured to be Family Ambassadors for Childhood Cancer Support in Cairns. We will never be able to thank Childhood Cancer Support enough
for the love, care and support they provided to our family during the most difficult time in our lives and we want to give back to Childhood Cancer Support and to families whom will need their assistance moving forward.
Living in a regional area means children still have to go to Brisbane when they are diagnosed with cancer for specialist treatment. This means the separation of families for lengthy periods of time as one parent often has to stay behind and work and the other is needed in Brisbane to support their child. Siblings are also often separated and extended family may not be accessible. By supporting Childhood Cancer Support we can continue to help these families so they don’t feel so alone and overwhelmed and so they can invest all of their energy into their child who is in the fight for their life.
Gold Coast Family Ambassadors
Stuart and Leanne Love are parents to 3 children – Mishae, Jacob and Emma. Stuart and Leanne operate their own business, a Registered Training Organisation Aurora Training Institute, that assists Queenslanders achieve nationally recognised qualifications to help gain employment or advance their careers.
Their first contact with Childhood Cancer Support was in 2010 after Emma was diagnosed with a Rhabdomyosarcoma in her head and neck. Over the next 2.5 years Emma endured 15 surgeries, 14 different chemotherapy rounds and 55 hits of radiation. Needless to say, the Love Family spent quite a lot of time away from home and found the services provided by Childhood Cancer Support invaluable.
Stuart and Leanne have been fundraising for Childhood Cancer Support for over 8 years now through charity lunches and The Ride for Love, now an annual event partnership between the Gold Coast HOG Chapter and Childhood Cancer Support.
Mackay Family Ambassador
Bert has proudly served as a Family Ambassador for the Mackay region for over 13 years, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to supporting families affected by childhood cancer. Throughout this time, he has played an active role in raising awareness of Childhood Cancer Support across the community by contributing to and supporting a wide range of fundraising and engagement initiatives.
These have included key events such as Camp Crystal, Coffee Cake & Chat, the Mackay Charity Ride, the Mackay Regional Childhood Cancer Support Christmas Party, and the Rotary Great Community Fundraiser. Additional past initiatives include the Mackay Raft Race, the 1KG Challenge, and Rumble on the Reef. More recently, the Postie Bike Safari has joined as a major supporter, further strengthening community involvement and support for Childhood Cancer Support.
Mackay Family Ambassador
In March 2017, our life was turned upside down when our then 2 year old Kacey was diagnosed with Leukaemia. The very day we flew down to Brisbane a friend of my Mum’s told us to contact Childhood Cancer Support, not knowing how much of a support they would be. Childhood Cancer Support gave my family a roof over their head while we navigated those first rough days of diagnosis.
After frontline treatment, Childhood Cancer Support helped us with accommodation and transport on our many, many trips back to Brisbane from Mackay. For over a year and a half until Kacey rang the bell in October 2019, it was always a highlight to come back and see everyone in the Childhood Cancer Support office and possibly meet new families in short stay. My husband David and I are passionate about meeting other oncology families, sharing stories and support where needed. Once we approached a family in a cafe as we recognised them and they were so grateful to have an understanding ear. In Mackay we have enjoyed many Childhood Cancer Support meet ups, whether coffee and chats at the hospital or events like Christmas parties and fundraisers. It’s great seeing old friends and bittersweet making new oncology friends.
I’m hoping that Mackay families can meet more often and make connections. I believe there is nothing more important then talking with those who have walked familiar paths and I feel it is healing and helpful in many ways.
Our Kacey is now 7 and in Grade 2. She loves a chat, she is empathetic, loving and brazen. After a few years of asking, she finally became a big sister last year. Her little sister Charli just turned 1 and has been some much-needed sunshine for the three of us after the trauma of childhood cancer. Kacey doesn’t remember a lot, which we are thankful for, but is still seeing the oncologist 6 monthly although routine bloods have stopped. Hooray!
Mackay Family Ambassador
Sophie is a busy working Mum of two, Web Designer, Support Worker and Yoga Teacher.
In 2016 her son Cade was diagnosed with ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia) just after his 4th birthday. While Cade went through the initial intense treatment at Queensland Children’s Hospital, Childhood Cancer Support provided them with the necessary long-term and then short-term accommodation every 3 months for the next 3 ½ years.
Sophie felt incredibly supported by Childhood Cancer Support throughout the journey from airport drop-offs and pick-ups, friendly faces to have a coffee and chat with and always a homely place to stay. The Childhood Cancer Support team made Sophie feel part of their family and having that support made all the difference to navigating the treatment process in another city. Sophie and Cade did the trips alone leaving her husband and daughter behind but knowing how well they were looked after gave everyone at home peace of mind. Sophie and her family have attended many Childhood Cancer Support events where they have met and made some amazing friends over the years.
Sophie has always wanted to give back to the charity that supported her family and has been able to help out with local events whenever possible. Her husband Shane has also helped provide signed NRL shirts which have been auctioned and raffled to raise funds for Childhood Cancer Support. She is honoured to become an Ambassador for the Mackay region and to help continue the charity’s awareness and support of paediatric oncology families.
South Burnett Family Ambassador
Casey and her 3 children moved into Childhood Cancer Support’s Herston units on Christmas Eve 2009. Her family stayed with Childhood Cancer Support for 8 months while her youngest child, Logan, received treatment at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Brisbane. On return to Mackay, Casey was approached to help run the Mackay Raft Race, which she did from 2010 to 2017 and has collectively helped raise over $100,000.
Casey was P & C President for 6 years and heavily involved in her local community from Hall committees to Fishing competitions while living in the Mackay district.
In 2019 she moved her family to the South Burnett region to be closer to her family. Her goal is to establish a South Burnett support group in the region for other families who have travelled the cancer journey with their child. He volunteering continued as an active member in the Wondai Show Society and Kingaroy & District Vintage Machinery Club.
Casey was an active part of the Childhood Cancer Support Board from 2015 – 2024. While on the Board she was a member of the Family Services sub-committee and is a huge advocate for kids with cancer and the long-term effects it has on the child and the family.
Casey retired from the Board in 2024. She is still actively advocating for all the families in South Burnett.
Logan is now 16 and transiting to adulthood with a few extra hurdles thanks to long term effect. Casey’s 14th year of advocating for Childhood Cancer Support and the importance of QCH Care.
West Moreton Family Ambassadors
Our story began in 2008 when our first-born daughter (Maggie now 15) was diagnosed at 6 hours old. You can imagine the shock and devastation we went through. Forget being happy first-time parents. The uncertainty of what her life would be, the pain we would experience. We had a fight on our hands and then some.
Maggie and Anne were transferred down to the Royal Children’s Hospital in Herston, and we met with our oncologist. The road would be rocky and long – we were given no guarantees, and our little girls life was in the hands of professionals. Maggie went through gruelling chemo at 2 ½ weeks of age. At four weeks Maggie was placed on life support as all her vital organs were shutting down. Good Friday loomed and we were expected to say goodbye – the doctors had done all they could. As we prepared to say our farewells, Maggie managed to have urine output which indicated her kidneys were starting to work. WOW what a roller coaster of a road – from darkness to having hope. We went through another round of chemo (1/2 strength drugs) and as Maggie was then deemed in remission, we were advised the best chance was for an unrelated blood stem cell transplant (again risks were high). Maggie went back to ICU as her little body was fluid retentive, although this time we could put Maggie on dialysis. This time Maggie was again gravely ill and as she was hooked to various lines etc we were not able to cuddle her. This is not how parenting should be, not even in the slightest. Maggie fought hard and won another fight (7 weeks in ICU – geez we were tired!).
Maggie was now in remission and we spent 7 ½ months as “guests” of the Children’s Hospital.
We became involved with Childhood Cancer Support by going to the Friday night BBQs. Just having an outing for 1-2 hours with like-minded people gave us some balance in this horrendous journey. By talking to people, it helped us know that we weren’t alone. Sometimes, even though having some degree of family support, they just didn’t understand how living and dealing with this just robs you of everything. Things you take for granted, little things.
We are still involved in Childhood Cancer Support by attending Camp, going to the Christmas party, and Ekka Days – they bring us so much joy and we are extremely grateful to be a wonderful part of a group that are just awesome. Not only is Childhood Cancer Support there for the little one that is fighting the journey, but also gives support to us as a family. This is where John gets to relax (when he’s not being a helicopter parent), and Ruby can meet new and see “old” friends. Maggie gets to be Maggie and Anne – well Anne gets to relax a little and enjoy some time with other parents.
It’s always hard finding words to say THANK YOU. What Childhood Cancer Support do is above and beyond.
We are delighted to be the new West Moreton Family Ambassadors and wanting to support other families – we know the road is tough and there are many bumps, detours and lots of hills to climb. If we can help families navigate this road, it will be our way of giving back.
(07) 3844 5000
info@ccs.org.au
