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The Kids’ Cancer Project has closed 2025 in style, with a bumper Christmas for a Cure crowd of over 560 helping to raise a total of $540,000 for childhood cancer research.
Dubbed the premier Christmas party with a purpose – Christmas for a Cure is The Kids’ Cancer Project’s flagship event, bringing together donors, partners, scientists, Board Directors, community champions and staff under one roof at Randwick Racecourse.
Hosted by television presenter Belinda Rudd, guests heard from The Kids’ Cancer Project’s CEO Owen Finegan, Founder Col Reynolds OAM, Head of Research Dr Justine Stehn.
“Christmas for a Cure is a day filled with joy and hope, where every member of our incredible community comes together during the festive season to raise much-needed funds for childhood cancer research,” Finegan says.
“Today lived up to its spectacular billing once again. On behalf of The Kids’ Cancer Project, I’d like to thank each of those in attendance today for their commitment to childhood cancer research and a 100% survival rate with no long-term effects for kids with cancer."
The highlight of the day brought many in the crowd to tears, as shire native Kelly Hennessy detailed the ordeal faced by her daughter, five-year-old neuroblastoma survivor Mileah.
The little one, who was diagnosed in a whirlwind of medical appointments, underwent an innovative procedure called a rotationplasty, in which her cancerous knee was removed and a prosthesis fitted to avoid a full amputation. Rounds of chemotherapy and radiation came both before and after the surgery, with Kelly determined to tell their story in the hope that no one endures what they have.
The live auction was once again a huge success thanks to the generosity of both donors and winners, plus the work of award-winning auctioneer, Stuart Ritchie on his second time out at Christmas for a Cure.
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The biggest prize up for grabs – a 17-day cruise for two on the Arctic Norway Frontier – went for $30,000. Other prizes that went at auction included a trip to Spain’s iconic Iberian Peninsula ($7,000), a premium advertising package from 2GB, Channel 9 and JC Decaux ($30,000) and corporate tickets to the Australian Open ($5,000)
Dr Stehn’s speech detailed the progression of the paediatric cancer research sector, the work currently being undertaken by The Kids’ Cancer Project’s legion of scientists, and her optimism for the future.
“Despite how far we’ve come, childhood cancer remains one of the most complex and challenging areas of medical research. It is not one disease, it is more than 100, many of them rare, aggressive, and difficult to treat,” says Dr Stehn.
“I can say with confidence that research saves lives. I’ve seen bold ideas turn into real options for children who previously had none.
Great science doesn’t happen by chance. It happens when brilliant researchers are supported, connected, and empowered to push boundaries.“Please continue to support this incredibly important research. Every dollar brings us closer to changing what’s possible for kids with cancer.”
The Kids’ Cancer Project would additionally like to thank its prizing sponsors – Kimberley Pearl Charters, Australian Open, Nine, Viking Cruises, Ooh Media, Pro Am, SHAPE, Enperso Business Travel, 2GB, JC Decaux, Air Canada, Trip a Deal, NSW Swifts, The Meat Tray Co and Giftzzy – for their unwavering generosity and commitment to childhood cancer research.
2026 shapes up as another magnificent year on The Kids’ Cancer Project calendar, with Golf Days and Long Lunches locked in across the country with all roads leading to another premier Christmas party with a purpose – Christmas for a Cure 2026. We can’t want to see you all then, and we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season!
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