Samuel Tunks

Audrey Strawberry’s @tinytunks

This year, I’m running Connor’s Run for Audrey 🍓 and all the children and families impacted by childhood brain cancer 

We are supporting the Robert Connor Dawes Foundation which raises vital funds for research into childhood brain cancer a disease that has changed our family forever.

When Audrey was diagnosed with high risk brain cancer just after her first birthday, I knew very little about childhood brain cancer. I certainly didn’t understand how devastating it could be, how limited treatment options can be, or how urgently we need better and safer ones.

So, as I run, I want to share 5 things I wish every Australian knew about brain cancer:

1. Brain cancer is the leading disease related cause of death in young Australians.

2. Childhood brain cancer is not one disease. There are many different tumour types and subtypes, each requiring different approaches to treatment.

3. Children can survive brain cancer, but survival can come at an enormous cost.Treatments can leave children with lifelong physical, cognitive and emotional impacts.

4. We need more treatment options. Too often, families are forced to make impossible decisions with treatments that can be incredibly toxic to growing bodies.

5. Research gives us hope. Better research means better understanding of these tumours, more targeted and safer treatments, and ultimately more children surviving and thriving.

I’m running for Audrey. For the children still fighting. For the children who should still be here. And for the families who will never get to have those ordinary days back.

Because a childhood should be filled with joy, magic and many, many ordinary days.

If you’re able to donate, share our fundraiser or simply help us start a conversation, thank you. Every bit helps move us towards a future where more children get the chance to grow up and enjoy some strawberry milk in the sun