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The Kids’ Cancer Project funds 53 research projects across Australia, with many of them requiring help from families and patients who have experienced treatment for childhood cancers.
Some are simply surveys and interviews, while others require participation in post-treatment programs designed to help kids with cancer survive and thrive.
All participation is completely voluntary, but as you know, it all helps to ensure that children with cancer, both present and future, receive the best treatment possible.
Below is a list of opportunities for families to be involved in research projects. This list will update as projects finish up or new ones come along.
If you would like more information regarding anything mentioned above – or the projects below – please contact us at support@tkcp.org.au.
Col Reynolds Fellow Dr David Mizrahi, The Daffodil Centre
The MERRIER Study is exploring how to support children to become more active after receiving cancer treatment, through testing an online-delivered exercise program designed to support young patients through their recovery around Australia.
Exercise has been shown to improve physical and emotional well-being in people impacted by cancer, but many children struggle to be active after treatment due to fatigue, side effects, or lack of access to specialised programs. The MERRIER Study aims to change that by offering a flexible, home-based exercise plan tailored by an Accredited Exercise Physiologist.
The 12 week program includes a mix of strength, cardiovascular, balance and play-based activities, delivered fully online so families can participate in their own homes. It’s designed to be adaptable – taking into account each child’s age, physical limitations, interests, goals, and energy levels. The goal is to make movement feel safe, achievable, and even fun.
Recruitment into the study is underway, with the study planning to enrol and randomise 60 children aged 5 to 18 who have completed cancer treatment. The study is working closely with Camp Quality, who are facilitating recruitment to families. Researchers will look at how well the program works, how easy it is to follow, and what helps or hinders participation. They’ll also gather feedback to understand how to better integrate exercise into cancer care.
By making physical activity more accessible to families around Australia, The MERRIER Study hopes to empower young survivors and their families with tools to foster a positive relationship with physical activity, which is a critical health behaviour to reduce future risk of chronic conditions among survivors as they grow up.
