REACH Child Cancer

Welcome to REACH Child Cancer, a registered not-for-profit charitable organization located in Christchurch, New Zealand. Our institution is dedicated to the Research, Education, and Awareness of Child Cancer and Hematology.

At REACH Child Cancer, we are committed to making a difference in the lives of children battling cancer. Our mission is to fund the ongoing development of the Circulating Tumor DNA project, which aims to revolutionize the treatment of childhood cancers. By ensuring that treatments are well-targeted and effective, we strive to improve the lives of children with cancer, reduce the need for hospital visits, and remove barriers to access for those who may have limited healthcare resources.

REACH Child Cancer takes its name from the initials of each child of our founding mothers. Eddie, Aaliyah-Rose, Charlotte, and Harley are the inspirations behind our organization. These brave children fought their own battles against cancer, and their stories motivate us to push for more research and better survival odds for other children diagnosed with this devastating disease.

Eddie was a beautiful and bright soul who brought joy to everyone around him. He battled stage 4 Neuroblastoma for half his life and passed away just a week after his 5th birthday. Aaliyah-Rose, a brave little girl with a big heart, was diagnosed with LCH (Langerhans cell histiocytosis) at just two weeks old. She underwent rigorous chemotherapy treatments for the first two years of her life. Charlotte, a wonderful young girl, was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma shortly after moving to New Zealand with her family. She had to travel to New Zealand for specialized treatment not available in her home country. Harley, a radiant little boy, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma on the day he was born. His treatment required his siblings to miss school to protect his fragile immune system.

Child cancer is not a single disease but encompasses over 40 different types, each reacting differently to treatments. Many people are unaware of the lifelong impact that child cancer can have. Shockingly, 34% of children die within the first 30 years after diagnosis, while 19% will suffer from life-threatening chronic health conditions within the same time frame. Additionally, 25% will experience moderate chronic health conditions, leaving only 22% of children with the opportunity to live a healthy life for three decades. Despite these statistics, child cancers receive significantly less research funding compared to adult cancers.

At REACH Child Cancer, we aim to support not only the physical health but also the emotional well-being of children undergoing cancer treatments. We provide medicines to alleviate pain during tests and procedures, as well as initiatives to reduce anxiety and distress associated with these medical interventions.

Join us in raising awareness of child cancer and its effects. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children fighting this battle. Help us promote the gold ribbon, the international symbol of child cancer, and support our ongoing efforts to improve treatments and outcomes for children with cancer.

Visit us at our address on Pacific Road, Christchurch, and become a part of our mission to REACH out to children with cancer and hematological disorders.