Little Legs Foundation

Hansard ID: HANSARD-1323879322-105373

Hansard session: Fifty-Seventh Parliament, First Session (57-1)

Little Legs Foundation

Mr MARK COURE (Oatley) (18:02:45):

The Little Legs Foundation is making a valuable contribution to finding a cure for childhood brain cancer. Brain cancer is a serious health challenge across our State, with one case diagnosed every five hours. In Australia it kills more children than any other disease. It takes the lives of more people under the age of 40 than any other cancer and the five-year survival rate is just 22 per cent. The Little Legs Foundation is playing its part to change those statistics.

The Little Legs Foundation was founded in memory of Alegra, who lost her battle with brain cancer at the age of six, only 10 months after diagnosis. According to Alegra's mum and dad, their daughter never let herself be defined by her disease and continued going to school every day, along with attending her swimming, dancing and gymnastic commitments. I commend the Vasiliou family for their strength. I call on the community to support them in advocating for other children affected by this debilitating disease. As a father to a son no older than Alegra was at the time of her diagnosis, I cannot begin to imagine the pain this must have caused Alegra's parents. However, it also makes me admire the absolute strength and determination they have shown in continuing their daughter's legacy for the benefit of other children and their families.

The Little Legs Foundation has partnered with organisations such as the Charlie Teo Foundation to find a cure for childhood brain cancer. Professor Charlie Teo, a globally renowned neurosurgeon, established the foundation to shake up the way funds are raised for brain cancer research. Sadly 1,200 people die from brain cancer every year in Australia. However, the five-year survival rate has hardly changed in the past 30 years, increasing by only 1 per cent. It is clear that something needs to change.

In March this year the Little Legs Foundation partnered with the Charlie Teo Foundation to host a charity gala ball to help raise awareness and much-needed funds for brain cancer research. This event was attended by many people and more than $480,000 was raised. I sincerely thank all those in attendance for their unbelievable generosity. Generous sponsors, including the Corletts, Era and Samos Polymers, Budget Petrol, McGrath Real Estate and dozens more, contributed to the evening. An army of businesses also donated auction and raffle prizes for the Little Legs Foundation's fundraising initiative.

But much more than fundraising, the Little Legs Foundation provides a sense of hope and compassion. During these difficult times sometimes what is needed most is a hug, a shoulder to cry on, or an ear that listens. The foundation meets these needs, bringing people together to support one another in the darkest of times. This is why I encourage each and every one of us to attend any future Little Leg Foundation events. If members cannot attend, the foundation also appreciates and encourages fundraising, volunteering, donations or corporate sponsorship. In the month of June I will again be hosting my annual Biggest Morning Tea at Oatley RSL to assist in the fundraising efforts of the Cancer Council. I look forward to this event each year to give generously to the Cancer Council. However, more than anything I look forward to the day when Cancer Council morning teas and Little Legs Foundation events are things of the past because treatment of cancer has progressed beyond anything we can currently imagine or fathom.

Three Australian families will be told today that their child has cancer. Three families this week will lose their child to cancer. I am certain that many of us in the House have a family member or friend who has fought or is currently fighting the cancer battle. Cancer took the life of loved ones in my family far too early. If I can play a part in any way to lessen the impact of this debilitating disease, I will. I look forward to a future without brain cancer and I congratulate Little Legs Foundation on its continued fight to make this become reality.