The Brain Cancer Centre:

Established by Carrie’s Beanies 4 Brain Cancer Foundation in partnership with the WEHI, the Brain Cancer Centre, is a beacon of hope for the battle against brain cancer. The Centre is a powerhouse of medical innovation, bringing together the brightest research minds from across Australia with a singular focus: to ensure that one day, no lives are lost to brain cancer. Despite advances in medical research, survival rates for brain cancer have barely changed in 30 years. 80% of patients diagnosed with brain cancer will die within five years. In Australia, one person is diagnosed with brain cancer every five hours. Tragically, brain cancer kills more children in Australia than any other disease and claims more lives of people under 40 than any other cancer. These sobering statistics underscore the urgent need for improved treatment options and more effective research.

Hugo’s Story

Brooke and Ollie from Lennox Head celebrated the arrival of their beautiful and healthy baby boy, Hugo. However, their joy turned to anguish when, at just 11 weeks old, Hugo was diagnosed with an extremely aggressive and rare brain tumour known as Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumour (AT/RT). The initial scan revealed a mass on Hugo’s brain, necessitating his urgent transfer to Queensland Children’s Hospital. An MRI scan there uncovered a large tumour on his cerebellum, leading to a series of life-saving emergency operations to drain fluid and relieve pressure on his brain. For the next seven months, Hugo’s life became a series of battles fought in a specialist ward. Brooke and Ollie sacrificed their jobs and spent 184 days living in the hospital, supporting Hugo through four brain surgeries and five rounds of high-dose adult chemotherapy. The treatment’s side effects were severe: Hugo endured high fevers, numerous seizures, and received over 40 bags of blood. Their story underscores the urgent need for better treatment options for young children with brain cancer—no child or parent should have to endure such a nightmare.

Hugo’s Legacy

In the wake of their experience, Brooke and Ollie have become fervent advocates for change. They are committed to raising awareness and vital funding for pediatric brain cancer research. Central to their efforts is the Hugo Long Fellowship, a research initiative named in Hugo’s honor, awarded to a young, brilliant mind dedicated to finding new treatment options for children with brain cancer. All funds raised through The Hugo Long Fellowship support the research at The Brain Cancer Centre. The Hugo Long Fellowship aims to be the game-changing piece of the puzzle that improves outcomes for kids battling brain cancer. By supporting, Brooke and Ollie hope to catalyze breakthroughs in pediatric brain cancer research, ensuring that every Australian child diagnosed with brain cancer has access to better treatments and clinical trials. Together, we can create a world where every child diagnosed with brain cancer has a fighting chance for a healthy and fulfilling life. Our July charity boxes at the club will be supporting this cause. If you would like to donate, please drop your coins in the boxes or scan the QR code. https://shoutforgood.com/fundraisers/hugolong