Jade's Pink Panthers

Jade’s journey is a poignant reminder of the incredible resilience children can show when faced with unimaginable challenges. At just 11 years old, Jade was diagnosed with a brain tumor, news that turned her world, and ours, upside down.

She has endured so much: seizures, memory loss, and behavioral changes that have deeply affected her ability to keep up with school, connect with friends, and play her beloved sport, Rugby League. It’s a stark and painful reminder of how profoundly illness can alter a young life.

But there is hope.

The biopsy revealed that Jade’s tumor is Stage 1. Surgeons were able to remove it with a 4cm margin, and for now, no radiation or chemotherapy is needed. It feels like a miracle—one that we are holding onto with immense gratitude.

In this journey, we’ve seen firsthand how vital support systems are. We know two families personally who have spent years going back and forth to the Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane. For them, the Ronald McDonald House was more than a place to stay; it was a sanctuary, a lifeline that allowed families to stay together in their darkest times.

That’s why I'm walking 42km in October.

I’m walking in gratitude for Jade’s miracle.

I’m walking for the courage shown by all children and families facing serious illness.

And I’m walking to raise every dollar I can so that more families can find comfort, kindness, and support when the worst news is delivered.

This is a call to action:

Too many children are being diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses.

Your support can make a real difference.

Every step we take—and every dollar we raise—helps keep families close when they need it most.