A journey of thousands of steps

25 March 2024 | Expected time to read: 3 minutes

Participants cross the finish line

Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation (SCHF) is thrilled to announce our dedicated Movement of Many have raised almost $400,000 at this year's Walk for Kids with Cancer. The funds they've raised will be directed to the frontline of children's healthcare, supporting oncology patients across Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick and The Children's Hospital at Westmead, as part of the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network (SCHN).

Over 880 SCHF fundraisers laced up their sneakers on Sunday morning and joined us for Walk for Kids with Cancer. The scenic journey from The Rocks to Middle Head (10km) and Balgowlah Heights (24km) was a powerful testament of the solidarity and hope of our Movement of Many in our shared fight against childhood cancer.

Walk for Kids with Cancer participants

In its 17th year, Walk for Kids with Cancer is SCHF's hallmark community event and has raised over $2M for oncology patients across NSW and beyond. The personal challenge draws over 800 participants from the inner cities to outer suburbs, regional, rural and beyond every year.

Participant Gemma greets daughter at the finish line

Our unstoppable changemakers’ extraordinary efforts will help ensure sick kids and their families continue to receive extraordinary care at the Cancer Centre for Children at The Children's Hospital at Westmead and the Kids Cancer Centre at Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick.

Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation’s CEO Kristina Keneally says:

This outstanding result would not have been possible without the support of our phenomenal Movement of Many and the generosity of the donors who supported them. Through the power of community, we are achieving incredible feats and, together, we can make a real difference to the lives of kids facing cancer.

“For some kids, childhood is far from what it should be. Instead of playdates, there are appointments. Instead of sleepovers, there are stays. Instead of firsts, there can be lasts. No child should have to go through this, but those who do deserve our all.

“Thank you to everyone who laced up their walking shoes to go all in for kids’ health and to the Western Sydney Wanderers, for joining us and making the day extra special for the many supporters, donors, patients, and families who walked for kids with cancer.”

Patient Ambassador, Cailey cuts the starting ribbon

Joining this year's walk was our patient ambassador, 13-year-old Cailey, who was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer in 2022 that suppressed her spinal cord and threatened her ability to walk again.

After eight months of treatment and a four-week intensive rehabilitation program, Cailey is now living life to the fullest and making every step count. The inspirational young woman, and her family registered "Cailey's Crew'' for this year's event, completing the 10km journey and raising a remarkable $9,711, to help give back to the hospital and staff who saved her life.

Cailey's parents, Gemma and Daniel said, ''We're so proud of Cailey for walking and crossing that 10km finish line. It was a remarkable achievement for the whole family.''

Cailey's Crew is just one of 73 teams who participated on the day, each with their own story and special connection to the cause.

On behalf of the countless families who will benefit from the extraordinary efforts of our Movement of Many, thank you. It truly takes an unbelievable force of participants, corporate donors, volunteers and staff to achieve such an astounding result for kids’ health.

A special mention to this year's Presenting and Major Partners, Heartland Motors and Amazon respectively, for doubling fundraisers’ donations and supporting the event.

Missed out on this year's Walk for Kids with Cancer but interested in community fundraising? Check out all of the exciting ways you can get involved with SCHF and go all in for kids' health.

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Collage of Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation staff and donors making a heart symbol with their hands