The Long Lunch attendees amazed by the strength and ingenuity of guest speakers

Fortitude Valley’s The Calile Hotel set the scene for the 2024 rendition of The Kids’ Cancer Project’s The Long Lunch in QLD – and as you can imagine, there wasn’t a guest left unmoved by the powerful message delivered by our speakers.

To see all the photos from the day, click here!

Col Reynolds Fellow, Dr Karin Plummer, spoke first. Dr Plummer is currently working to develop a decision aid, providing parents and healthcare workers the opportunity to collaboratively create a pain management plan for a childhood cancer patient undergoing bone marrow transplant.

Dr Plummer spoke from the perspective of a parent, outlining the heartache and trauma that a mother or father takes on when a child is diagnosed with cancer. She communicated the need for the development of the decision aid, which was well received by our esteemed guests.

18-year-old neuroblastoma survivor, Tiana Saunders, followed Dr Plummer. Speaking to a crowd captivated by her story, Tiana spoke of her journey, from symptoms and diagnosis, through treatment, and finally remission.

The manner in which Tiana spoke left a marked impression. A poem inspired by her torrid time in hospital evoked a visibly emotional response amongst those in attendance.

Our guests, graciously hosted by Nine journalist, Bianca Wylie, dug deep at The Long Lunch and managed to raise an incredible $57,774 for childhood cancer research.

The Kids’ Cancer Project CEO, Owen Finegan, says he is immensely thankful to everyone who contributed to a successful Long Lunch.

“To have raised over $57,000 is a truly monumental effort, and we are all immensely thankful for the generosity of those present at The Long Lunch for 2024,” he says.

“I want to additionally give thanks to Tiana and Karin, as well as Bianca, who did a wonderful job as our host, plus our partners and raffle donors. Each and every one of you have brought us closer to our dream of no child dying from cancer.”

The Kids’ Cancer Project wishes to thank its Volunteer Partner, Deloitte, for their assistance on the day, and our Partners Bouquet Boutique, The Calile Hotel, KAILO Medispa, Rokstar Hair Salon and Gemelli James Street for their support.

In addition, we would also like to thank our Raffle Prizing and Online Auction item donors, which includes Tangalooma Island Resort, Elka Collective, Rixon Hair, Archie Rose, Thriving Minds Global, WOTSO, Samantha Ogilvie Boutique, Dinosaur Designs, Stephanies Spa Retreat, Capri Holdings and Love Merino.