Childhood cancer charity’s gala fundraiser aims to boost research and family support
A CHARITY founded in memory of nine-year-old Richie Walsh is preparing for its biggest fundraising event of the year as it continues its push for better treatments for children diagnosed with cancer.
Richie’s Rainbow Foundation was established by his parents, Karl and Lisa Walsh, following their son’s death from stage 4 embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma in September 2021.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, with about 800 Australian children aged under 15 diagnosed with cancer each year.
About 100 children do not survive.
Richie’s cancer journey began on March 16, 2020, when he told his mother he was struggling to breathe.
Richie’s legacy shines bright again through charity’s cancer fight
Lisa took him to the Queensland Children’s Hospital emergency department, where an initial chest X-ray pointed to pneumonia.
But further tests and scans revealed a far more devastating diagnosis.
For Lisa and Karl, hearing the words “your child has cancer” was something they will never forget.
“I could not believe it, only one day before, Richie had completed a 5km bike ride with cubs, swimming and football,” Mr Walsh said.
“This can’t be true.”
Richie underwent 52 weeks of intensive chemotherapy followed by eight weeks of radiotherapy during the next 18 months.
Despite the gruelling treatment, he never went into remission and died peacefully surrounded by his family on September 26, 2021.
He was just nine.
His parents, together with siblings Melissa, Luke and Layla, vowed his courage and strength would not be forgotten.
They formed Richie’s Rainbow Foundation to provide support for children and families facing cancer, while raising money for research into childhood sarcomas – rare cancers which can be particularly difficult to treat.
Richie was famous for his iPad and was rarely seen without it.
The foundation has delivered more than 150 iPads to children receiving treatment at Queensland Children’s Hospital, helping young patients stay connected with family, continue schoolwork and find comfort during long hospital stays.
It also provides care packages, family support and community events.
Richie’s Rainbow has contributed more than $150,000 towards childhood cancer research in Brisbane and has committed a further $150,000 to University of Queensland research.
Its focus is on childhood sarcomas, particularly rhabdomyosarcoma, which affects an estimated 20 to 30 children in Australia each year.
The foundation says survival rates for these cancers have remained largely unchanged for decades.
Mr Walsh said the family’s goal was to help ensure future children diagnosed with sarcoma had access to kinder, more effective treatments – and, ultimately, a cure.
“To date, we have donated over $250,000, which has helped unlock $2 million of government funding, and we are pleased to announce The Richie Walsh PhD top-up scheme, where we will be funding four doctors a year to continue their vital work here in Brisbane,” he said.
The charity’s next major fundraiser, Disco Royale, will be at the Emporium Hotel, South Bank, on Saturday, October 3, from 7pm.
The gala will feature a drinks package, premium three-course dinner, live entertainment, dancing, silent and live auctions, raffles and stories highlighting the difference Richie’s Rainbow is making for children and families.
Funds raised will help the foundation provide iPads for children receiving cancer treatment, deliver practical support to families and continue backing vital childhood cancer research in Queensland.
The previous gala raised $75,000 in one night, and organisers are hoping the community will again get behind the event.
Businesses and individuals are being encouraged to sponsor the evening, donate auction or raffle prizes, book a table or buy tickets.
More information is available at richiesrainbow.org.au.
