Odhran's Run for Children's Cancer Research

In November 2022, we'll be running a half marathon to raise money for children's cancer research so that other children don't have to go through what our son Odhran went through.

We will be raising money for the Children's Cancer Institute, the only independent medical research institute in Australia wholly dedicated to research into the causes, prevention and cure of childhood cancer. The Institute's vision is to save the lives of all children with cancer and improve their long-term health, through research.

About Odhran

In June 2022, after a 2.5 year battle with cancer, our son Odhran passed away at the age of 14. He had rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare children's cancer, and underwent 42 weeks of harsh chemotherapy and 6 weeks of radiotherapy. His scans at 30 weeks looked good, however after completing this treatment, we were told that Odhran's cancer had returned.

After this relapse, his prognosis was 'grim'; the only options were chemo treatments that were less likely to be effective or surgery. In March 2021, Odhran had major surgery involving the removal of his bladder, pancreas, rectum, part of his bowel, and part of his pelvic bone. Six weeks after surgery, Odhran started on weekly chemo again. However, 4 months after this brutal surgery, we received the devastating news that there was a new tumour, with no known effective treatment available.

Odhran's only option at this stage was to get on to a clinical trial that might hopefully make a difference. Odhran continued to have conventional chemo to try to slow the tumour's growth while we waited for a suitable clinical trial to open.

Unfortunately, Odhran's cancer progressed before any effective treatment could be found.

Sadly, Odhran's story is not unique. Each week in Australia, 3 children die from cancer. This is why we need more research into more effective and less harsh treatments.

We would appreciate any contribution you can make to help us reach our fundraising goal.

Odhran was an amazing kid who was adored by so many and brought so much joy into our lives. He endured more than anyone should, but was prepared to keep going with any treatments offered. Despite what he had to deal with, he always had a smile and relished spending time with family and friends. It was an absolute privilege to have him in our lives, we just wish he was still here.

With heartfelt thanks,

Simon and Ciara