Back in the 1960s, the overall survival rate for childhood cancer was a dismal 30%. Today, it has risen to over 80% in Australia and other high income countries.

There can be no doubt that, without research, survival rates would not have reached these levels. At Children’s Cancer Institute, their focus has always been on translational research, and close collaboration with our clinical partners has been a critical ingredient in our success. Today, just as in the past, it is the combined effort of scientists and clinicians that leads to real progress.

This collaboration between CCIA and Sydney Sock Project has been made possible thanks to The Ladies’ Committee, which was established in 1977.  The committee was establish by a group of women, many of whom had children diagnosed with cancer.  They supported each other and raised funds for research and family services.

Today, the Ladies Committee have raised over $1 million for Children’s Cancer Institute. Every dollar raised through various fundraising events has gone directly to purchasing research equipment for the world-leading cancer research labs in Randwick.