The Gift of Fun

How the money raised will make a difference?

Help Challenge Deliver More Smiles!

Quality of life is so important and nothing brings this to the forefront of one’s mind like being smacked in the face with a cancer diagnosis.

At a time of high stress, information overload and coming to terms with the “new normal” of daily life as a parent of a sick child, we need to make the most of the time we have with our children because who knows how many weeks/months/years we have left? This realisation comes at a time when you are struggling with the weariness associated with managing medication, sleepless bedside vigils, procedures, and appointments, all whilst trying to carry out coherent conversations with medical professionals and keeping our child safe by advocating every step of the way. And then you remember your other children and guilt threatens to overwhelm you. This is a time when you feel lost at sea, struggling to keep your heads above water.  

This is when Challenge steps in - a charity that supports children and their families living with cancer.

In the most genuine and un-intrusive way, they bring the FUN!  

“Hey Noah, I’ve got some AFL players coming into the hospital, do you feel like saying ‘hello’?”

Challenge brings AFL stars, NBA legends, PlayStation games, coffee runs for parents, meet-and-greet afternoon teas and Mother’s Day luncheons. The list is endless!

And when treatment ends, Challenge is still there. You are welcomed into the Challenge 'family' for as long as you need them. A lot of families have been with Challenge for many years.

Challenge looks after the whole family unit. They organise mums’ retreats, dads’ weekends away, couples date nights, family AFL and concert tickets, kids’ camps and slumber parties, and more! Audrey and her friend recently attended a slumber party which she still raves about - “Mum, they had this giant claw machine filled with all the best toys, not the crappy ones, and guess what? It’s free, and you actually WIN the prizes!”

It’s hard to describe the magic of the people who work at Challenge, but I’ll try;

They are quiet, efficient, and genuinely the good people of this world who make great things happen.  Without any fuss or fanfare, they bring the FUN!  They look after the well-being of families facing cancer.  Parents are really stressed, exhausted and guilt-ridden, as they watch their strong and resilient children, wishing they could do more for them.  Challenge recognises this dynamic and works tirelessly to help every family member with their needs.  They embrace a child’s ability to live-in-the-moment and recognise a parent’s need to rest and recharge.  They know what is needed and go about arranging it.

I’ve accumulated 40 years of stuff in my life, most of which I don’t need. Gifts are unnecessary. This party is to say "thank you" to all of you.  You are amazing, generous, inspiring people who have already given so much. However, if you feel so inclined, donating to Challenge would mean the world to me.

Thank you and lots of love. 

Emma

XO