In his Owen words: Finegan's ten years as The Kids' Cancer Project CEO
2025-04-07
Throughout my life, I’ve always felt lucky, of that there’s no question.
I felt it throughout my rugby career, but after ten years working at The Kids’ Cancer Project, I’ve now got no doubt.
Over 90 Super Rugby matches. Two Championships in 2001 and the 2004 championship as Captain of the Brumbies. A Super 12 Record with 31 tries as a forward. 56 international caps, a World Cup in 1999 after an injury time try in the final, and Australian Player of the Year in 2001.
I’m extremely grateful for my teammates, what sport has given to me, and I will always look back on my career with great pride.
Eventually though, after three years abroad and another three coaching the Brumbies, I knew it was time to “get a real job”.
I ventured into the world of not-for-profit and began my career as the CEO of Snowy Hydro Southcare, the rescue helicopter for the ACT and Southern NSW.
I began my tenure as CEO of The Kids’ Cancer Project four years later in 2015, working at the largest independent not-for-profit investor of childhood cancer research in Australia. The Kids’ Cancer Project was founded on a promise made by Col Reynolds OAM to never give up until every child survives cancer with minimal long-term effects.
It’s a promise I now make, too.
My rugby career has afforded me the unique opportunity to raise awareness and encourage the generous and ongoing support from our community, sporting, and corporate partners, as well as our volunteers. It has led me to helping provide scientists with the funding they need to make discoveries, translate pioneering research, advance treatments, and build support programs that will improve survival rates for all young people with cancer and allow them to thrive after treatment.
My role as CEO has also meant that I’ve met children and families that have endured childhood cancer and seeing firsthand the importance of what we do at The Kids’ Cancer Project.
My first visit to Westmead Children’s Hospital in my role in 2015 led to an unnerving encounter with two kids from Canberra – ten-year-old Ryan, who had been diagnosed with neuroblastoma, and Sam, who was in my son’s U/9’s rugby team and was battling a brain tumour. Meeting and visiting countless other kids and their parents always remain in my mind.
It’s why I mentioned earlier that I now know I’m lucky.
In celebration of my ten years at The Kids’ Cancer Project, I’ve set my sights on something of an anniversary gift – an ambitious goal to help make a difference for the 10,000 Aussie families who have heard the words “your child has cancer” in the last 10 years.
I’ve launched a fundraiser with a target of $100,000, to help our scientists continue to make discoveries that will change the lives of kids with cancer.
I’ll also be sharing ten highlights over my 10-year tenure with The Kids’ Cancer Project over the next few weeks, outlining the steps we’ve taken and the community that have supported us to change childhood cancer survival rates forever.
When I was a child, I dreamed of being a jockey when I grew up, but that was never going to work. I then dreamed of being a rugby player.
Now, like you, I am saving lives as the CEO of The Kids’ Cancer Project.
It’s something I’m lucky to do.
To donate to Owen's fundraiser, hit the button below.