An Icy Dare to Cure Childhood Cancer

I’ve been called many things in my life, but in my opinion there’s no better title than “Dad.” That’s why the Children’s Cancer Institute is a cause that is so close to my heart. It is also special because they are the only independent medical research institute in Australia which is wholly dedicated to curing childhood cancer.

Each week, 20 families find out that their child has cancer, a statistic that the organisation aims to bring down to zero. But over the last 60 years, great strides have been made in the right direction. What once was a death sentence, now eight out of 10 children survive cancer. The Children’s Cancer Institute is determined to get closer to finding a cure.

In our eyes, true success lies in your ability to give back to the wider community. Which is why we like to participate and support as many worthy causes as we can. Nathan and I partook in the CEO Dare to Cure event last year where we raised (with the support of our friends, family, colleagues and business partners) just shy of $10,000 for the Children’s Cancer Institute.

Although immensely proud of these results, I never shy away from a challenge (or a dare!). That’s why in 2021 we aim to raise even more for the incredible cause. Cancer kills more children than any other disease, meaning that research into why and how is critical in order to get closer to curing it all together.

You may be thinking – where does $10,000 go in terms of Cancer research and finding a cure? To put it into perspective, roughly $2,600 can fund the development of tests which detect one child’s risk of relapse from leukaemia. So, every dollar counts towards not only smashing this fundraising goal, but also into saving children’s lives. 

Held on the 29th of October, the Dare to Cure event is exactly as bold as it sounds. Gathering philanthropic and daring CEOs from all around Australia, there are eight preselected dares at the event to choose from. Nathan and I have selected to partake in the most chilling of them all – the Athlete’s Bath dare.  

A child with Cancer is so unimaginable, yet it is a devastating reality for many. We encourage our family, friends, business partners and colleagues to support our fundraising journey in order to help the unlucky families and children faced with this devastating situation. 

Donate today! https://www.ccia.org.au/fundraisers/leighandnathanrust