PDG Tony Heading - The Rotary Foundation Update

Children’s Cancer Centres in Australia are welcoming a very special guest, and it isn't Santa (yet)! Our hero Bryce is visiting with an important and touching gift for all the children undergoing treatment for cancer at Australian children’s hospitals.

But first, some context.   

5 years ago, a small boy named Max was diagnosed with brain cancer. In an effort to reduce Max’s discomfort, his parents bought him a small nightlight from Cloud b, a company that specialises in nightlights for children. Max’s parents found that the features of the nightlight enhanced Max’s quality of life by reducing his stress and easing him to sleep. Drawing inspiration from Max’s story, Cloud b went to work. Collaborating with Max, his parents and various health specialists, Cloud b designed a more specific product for children suffering from cancer. This new nightlight, named SuperMax the Turtle, is perfect for children who routinely are coming and going from cancer centres, and is easily sterilisable if needed, giving parents peace of mind. 

Following the progress of Max’s treatment was Bryce, aged 9, and his mother Amy. After Amy was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer resulting in numerous surgeries and hospital stays as well as an extended treatment regimen, Bryce began to imagine how scary it would be to be a child in the hospital with cancer and to not be able to have his stuffies or nightlight with him. He undertook an inspirational fundraising project for children just like Max who were receiving treatment for cancer, with the goal of providing as many Super Max the Turtle nightlights as he could. After surpassing his initial goal of providing 6 turtles, Bryce has gone on to fund raise enough money to give out 244 Super Max the Turtle nightlights to children in all eight of the children's oncology treatment centres located across Australia! 

For anyone who is interested in seeing pictures and learning more about Bryce's journey around Australia, you can follow the story on the @SuperMaxAndBryce Instagram account.

“The most precious light is the one that visits you in your darkest hour!” 
― Mehmet Murat ildan