Radio stars from across the commercial networks have joined forces to assist fundraising for children’s cancer research.
Twelve-year-old cancer patient Elza Teixeira was delighted when radio personalities Kyle Sandilands, Mamajugs and the Hot 30 Countdown team dropped by recently for a visit.
Elza, who is half way through her treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukaemia at Sydney Children’s Hospital, participated in a photo shoot with the radio stars to promote a charity lunch to raise funds for Children’s Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research (CCIA).
2UE talkback host Stan Zemanek and NOVA 969 personality Bianca Dye also showed their support for this worthy cause, and were captured on film by celebrity photographer Robin Sellick. Zemanek met eight-year-old Agustin Albertoni, who was treated for Wilms’ tumour, a cancer of the kidney.
Bianca Dye was photographed with 10-year-old Emma Byers, who was first diagnosed with cancer at the age of two and has undergone a bone marrow transplant and a blood stem cell transplant.
Commercial Radio Australia CEO Joan Warner told radioinfo: “These children are absolutely amazing – despite everything they have been through, they were more than happy to take part in the photo shoot to support cancer research and help all kids who suffer from this disease.”
More than 500 radio luminaries and business people are expected to attend the charity lunch and auction on Friday, October 17 at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre. The event is part of Commercial Radio Australia’s annual convention and awards fest.
Warner said the industry is known for being a strong supporter of community causes, but the appeal for childrens’ cancer has attracted special attention. CCIA is the only independent medical research institute solely devoted to research into the prevention, causes and cure of childhood cancer. In Australia, more children die from cancer than from any other disease – with over 500 new cases diagnosed each year. For every 10 children diagnosed 7 will survive, but 3 still don’t make it.
Some unique auction items and prizes will be offered at the luncheon, including a trip for two to Vietnam with food expert and Channel 7 presenter Maeve O’Mara, and a Nissan 300 ZX.
Tickets for the luncheon cost $180 including GST. A major keynote speaker will be announced shortly. For bookings, contact Commercial Radio Australia on (02) 9281 6577.
Lisa Cheng, CCIA’s Acting Senior Fundraising Manager said:“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of such a great event. Without the generous support of organisations like Commercial Radio Australia, CCIA would not be able to carry out its vital research – dedicated to saving the lives of all children with cancer and eliminating their suffering.”