Racing for Hope: Kiah's Journey with The Kids' Cancer Project

In the heart of Australia's vast outback, amidst the red sands and scorching sun, a remarkable journey is unfolding. Kiah Grillett, fuelled by compassion and determination, is gearing up to take on the ultimate challenge: a grueling two-day off-road dirt bike race spanning 226 kilometers each way on a multi through desert country from Alice Springs to and from the small Aputula (Finke) Community: The Finke Desert Race.

But her journey isn't just about conquering the desert; it's also about conquering childhood cancer.

"I did a lot of research, wanting to support charities that might not be as well-known,” Kiah admits when asked how she stumbled upon The Kids' Cancer Project. “When I found The Kids' Cancer Project, I was drawn to it - that even $54 can fund a researcher for an hour. 

“So, it’s nice to be able to explain how that fundraising actually makes a difference and can help a researcher as they’re creating these treatments that are less damaging, and more effective at helping kids survive cancer. And often, it’s quite a long-term process. But over the past 30 years, that survival rate for kids with cancer has gone up by 30%. So, the stuff that you’re doing really is making an amazing difference.”

It's a sentiment echoed by many who discover The Kids’ Cancer Project’s commitment to funding childhood cancer research. And for Kiah, it became one of the driving forces behind her decision to lace up her boots and hit the racetrack on June 7^th for the annual Finke Desert Race - considered to be one of the most difficult courses in one of the most remote places in the world.

As Kiah embarks on her fundraising journey, she finds herself surrounded by a community eager to rally behind her cause. "They love it, they're all for it," she beams. "The support has been crazy."

 From colleagues at work to local businesses, everyone is pitching in to support Kiah's efforts. But preparing for a race of this magnitude isn't just about physical endurance; it's about mental fortitude as well.

"Training wise, working, reaching out to businesses, sponsorships... there's a lot of work that goes into it," Kiah acknowledges. Yet, she remains undeterred, drawing inspiration from the children and families affected by cancer.

The Finke Desert Race itself is legendary in Australia's motorsport scene. Spanning over 600 kilometers of rugged terrain, it's a test of skill, stamina, and sheer determination. And for Kiah, it's a chance to shine a spotlight on female riders in a traditionally male-dominated sport.

"Last year was the first year that there was actually a women's class," she explains.

"Hopefully, we can continue to grow this class in Finke and in motocross in general, to show girls that they can do it."

But Kiah's journey extends beyond the racetrack. As a role model for her partner’s two young daughters, she hopes to inspire future generations of female riders. "They can grow up thinking that it's normal for women to ride motorbikes," she smiles. “I want to try and enter more motocross events, just to show girls that there are actually girls doing it.”

For Kiah and her partner Jordon, the self-confessed “pit man” who “keeps the bike running” for her journey, the road ahead is filled with both challenges and opportunities. With fundraising goals to meet and races to conquer, they're determined to make a difference in the fight against childhood cancer.

"I think anything's possible," Kiah asserts, her eyes alight with determination. And indeed, with every dollar raised, she’s inching closer to a future where childhood cancer is nothing more than a distant memory. As Kiah prepares for the long journey ahead, she knows she’s not alone. With the support of her community and the unwavering dedication of The Kids' Cancer Project, she’s paving the way for a brighter, cancer-free future for children everywhere.

And as she revs her engine and sets off into the desert, she carries with her the hopes of countless children and families touched by cancer. With each mile she conquers, she’s racing not just for the finish line, but for hope, for healing, and for a world without childhood cancer.