Rally for Redkite - Christmas Cent Sale

Redkite are vital to the families facing childhood cancer

My name is Kellee and 5yrs ago my son was diagnosed with an extremely rare brain tumour.  In a single moment, the life we knew was a changed forever and our family were thrown into a world no parent could have ever prepared for.

As a single mom living in regional Queensland, I quickly learnt that a childhood cancer diagnosis reaches far beyond the hospital rooms, medical appointments and treatments. 

I was forced to quit my job so I could be by my son’s side when he needed me the most and as a result I was left with zero income for 6 entire months. 

Sitting there in the hospital, holding my child, who’s fighting for his life, all of a sudden I found myself consumed by a different kind of fear.

How could I possibly be in two places at once? How was I suppose to be there for my child and protect the home I needed to take him home to?  As a single mom, I’ve always prided myself in providing my son with the absolute best of everything and in that very moment I didn’t even know how I was going to put food in his mouth.

With bills on the table and absolute fear in my chest, Redkite placed their hand on my shoulder. I didn’t know who they were, I didn’t know what they did and little did I know in that very moment that they would be the lifeline my family desperately needed. In absolute despair Redkite took my hand and gave me hope. They offered us not only financial support, but invaluable practical and emotional support in what I describe as the most vulnerable moment of my entire life. And it absolutely scares me to think about where my family would be without them. 

You’re already terrified about your child’s future, yet somehow you’re also forced to worry about your family’s immediate survival.

No parent should have to divide their attention between being there for their sick child and wondering how they’re going to afford to keep their home.

And yet, this is the reality for so many families facing childhood cancer, particularly those of us who live regionally and have to travel far from home to access the care our children need.

Redkite continue to support us on our journey and understand more than anyone that just because a child gets to go home from hospital, does not mean the story ends there. It doesn’t always mean a child is cured, it doesn’t always mean their health has been restored and that their life can return to normal. For many this is just the beginning of their fight.

Because of this, I am incredibly proud to be a Redkite Family Ambassador and advocate for the vital work they do. I have been fortunate enough to be a part of many things for Redkite, but one of my most recent experiences — and the one I’m most proud of — was accompanying Redkite to Parliament House.

There, I had the privilege of speaking on behalf of Redkite families alongside the Redkite CEO and helping deliver The Hidden Financial Crisis: The Financial Toxicity of Childhood Cancer report. 

I see first hand the passion, the heart and the absolute desperation every single Redkite team member fights with, to make sure families are supported throughout this life altering journey. 

So please help us support Redkite and allow them to continue the work they do, by joining in on our Rally for Redkite.

Cent Sale 6th December at the Rocky Sports Club.