Better for Bradley

2021-09-06
Tanya and her family are going the distance in The Better Challenge for her son Bradley and kids just like him.
Tanya and her children

The Kids’ Cancer Project has launched The Better Challenge with a call for all Australians to run, walk or roll 90 kilometres during September to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer research.

Why 90 kilometres? Sadly, that’s roughly the number of children across the country who are diagnosed with cancer every month. In addition, as many as 90 percent of those who survive, will develop one or more chronic health conditions.

This is top of mind for Tanya and Pete, whose son Bradley was diagnosed with leukaemia in December 2020. Just two months earlier, he had celebrated his third birthday.

Bradley in hospital doing some painting

“Since diagnosis, Bradley has been through intense chemotherapy treatment and we’ve spent most of 2021 in hospital,” says Tanya.

While this regimen is vital for his survival, and is proving effective to date, the young mum laments the toll it’s taking on her baby boy.

“Bradley has had so many side-effects - fevers, hair loss, muscle weakness, weight loss, weight gain, nausea and mood swings - that’s just to name a few!,” she says. “No child should have to experience these things.”

And while the disease and treatment has hit Bradley full force, the effects ripple outwards. Bradley’s grandparents, aunts, and uncles, both overseas and in Australia, have all been deeply affected.

The Better Challenge couldn’t have come at a better time for the Sydney family. Not only are they looking forward to counting the kilometres during family walks, but they are also keen to raise as much money as they can so that kids like Bradley can have access to better treatments in the future.

“Bradley has shown tremendous bravery, strength and positivity,” says Tanya. “I just wish kinder and more effective cancer treatments for kids could be found.”

Bradley in hospital playing with playdough and dinosaurs
Bradley with a big smile on his face next to a paper mâché volcano

“This is why I am taking action and fundraising for The Kids’ Cancer Project. They support so many ongoing scientific research projects that look into just this.”

When signing on to the Challenge, Tanya set an ambitious target of $2,000. Watch Tanya's progress here.

“I told my friends here in Australia and overseas that no donation would be too small, and I’ve been overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity,” says Tanya

“I’m grateful to all the people who have donated to my page, but also to everyone participating in and giving to The Better Challenge.”

“Scientific research is going to make a huge difference for kids like Bradley, better treatments will not only help them survive, but thrive as well."- Tanya, Bradley's mum.