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CIKA (Cancer in Kids)
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Founded 1980
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President: Sandra Lehrer
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Secretary: Bernie Dawson
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Treasurer: David Webb
CIKA was established to increase awareness of cancer in children, and to raise funds for ongoing research into childhood cancer. CIKA is committed to providing funding for research into solid tumours, the third most common group of childhood cancer. Funds are raised via their Annual Dinner Dance, donations from the business community and a variety of other events.
Click here to visit CIKA's External Website.
The CIKA Story
Cancer in Kids @ RCH was founded in 1980 by three sets of parents whose children died from a solid cancerous tumour. Their mission since the inception of their Auxiliary has been to raise the awareness of childhood cancer and to encourage financial support to aid research into this devastating disease.
CIKA has funded many programs since 1980. Some of the research gleaned has provided better understanding about the progression of cancer in children and has helped in a better delivery of treatment to these patients.
CIKA has also provided the seed funding for many other programs that have gone on to receive further external funding.
At present their main research program is the Dendritic Cell study; CIKA’s annual ongoing financial commitment for this is $100,000 per annum. This study provided leverage for results found in earlier funded vaccine trials and had the aim of identifying why cancer patients become immune deficient. Improving a patient’s immune system enables them to complete treatment with fewer delays, thus giving them a better chance of arresting the cancer growth.
New clinical trials, with several children enrolled, begun last August and are being conducted at The Royal Children’s Hospital for the next three years. The new generation anti-tumour vaccine will be manufactured in the state-of-the art Clean Room Facility house at the RCH in conjunction with the Cell Therapeutics Facility.
The Dendritic Cell Study is a world first and the Cancer In Kids Auxiliary is extremely proud to be the sole group funding of this exciting, groundbreaking research.
Annual Report
CIKA raised $149,492.00 for 2007/08. With this money raised, CIKA is continuing to fund a world first study into Dendritic cells and the connection with the child’s’ immune function. This project is headed by Dr Denise Caruso at the Royal Children’s Hospital here in
The 2007 Dinner Dance held at the Hilton on the Park Hotel raised a magnificent $93,000. The evening was hosted by our Patron, Mr Peter Mitchell with John Carter from Hocking Stuart auctioning the many products donated by our generous supporters.
Another major event held each year in November was the Milltown Wood Days. People travel from all parts of the state to attend this 2 day event where the good old days are brought back to life. The weekend comes to life each year due to the hard work and determination of Christine and Andrew Duyvestyn. There is even a special calendar created because of this weekend. The 1100 calendars sold were created, designed and published by a team of CIKA supporters in Sam and Donna Taranto and their friends, who managed to get all design, paper and printing donated.
The CIKA website (www.cika.org.au) is a terrific tool to raise awareness and the need for fund raising for childhood cancer research. We thank Komodo CMS for all of their expertise and time donated to improve and update the site.
Nicole Dawson has been an inspiration in co-ordinating the birth of a new CIKA Corporate Brochure and the redesign of the Generic Brochure. The following companies kindly donated design, printing and supply of our promotional material: Allure Stationery, Flash Print, K.W. Doggett and Prominent Group Shepparton. CIKA would also like to thank Briamar Press who have continued to support CIKA with the ongoing printing of newsletters, tickets and flyers.
The Shaker Tins have been a very effective source of fund raising for CIKA over the past year and our aim is to continue to expand locations where these tins are provided in the community. Dr. Anne Dynon, CIKA member, and her team at Flemington Veterinary Clinic, organise the annual Dog Show each year. Thanks goes to Anne and the Flemington Rotary Club for their able assistance in making this fundraising day such a delightful one.
The Arena Family of O’Hea’s Bakery have been great supporters of CIKA for many years. When celebrating their 50th birthday, they organised a huge party to thank their patrons. It was a wonderful day and $3000 was donated to CIKA from the event. The Macedon Ranges Focus Group continue to be loyal and consistent supporters to CIKA. We not only value the donations but also the friendship they extend to CIKA. Our gratitude goes to Harry Benholz who has donated his time and professional skills in photography and video.
Kostas Kyrifidis representing Security Advisory, presented CIKA with a cheque for $10,000 at the 2007 Dinner Dance. Kostas has been a generous supporter of CIKA for many years and takes a keen interest in the progress of the research we fund.
Israel Rosenfield has attended several CIKA Dinner Dances and over many years donated product through his company Dagles Trading. It was a complete surprise when he stepped forward and handed over a cheque for $10,000.
The CIKA Committee would like to thank the staff in the RCH Auxiliaries Office, especially Ellie Pateras for the guidance and support of our cause throughout the year. CIKA continues to rely on the generosity of many, many people for without these wonderful individuals, our efforts and success would be diminished. We appreciate them one and all.
Sandra Lehrer - Madge Tate Award Winner 2007/2008
Sandra was nominated for this award from three separate sources, which is unprecedented. Sandra has been involved with the hospital since her youngest son was diagnosed with Cancer at the age of 12. Sean is now in his late 20’s. She has been a member of Cancer In Kids since 1987 and has held the position of President for the past 5 years. Sandra has a vision, mission and passion to fund research into why children develop cancer and fund the research to find the cure.
She never stops working for Cancer In Kids, so much so that her husband now answers the business phone, “CIKA CENTRAL”. There is nothing that she would not do to make her vision come true so that other families will not have to experience the devastation of a child being diagnosed with Cancer. Sandra works tirelessly to ensure that every cent that is raised is available to fund research. I think she is the only person who can still achieve pre GST prices for her ball and everything else she needs for the CIKA events. She has introduced so many new people to CIKA, the stable of events for CIKA now includes a Dog Show, a Wood Show, CIKA Dinner Dance, the Macedon Ranges Focus Group, the Woodpeckers, who represent the furniture industry, O’Hea’s Bakery, the Hot Rod and Classic Car Association. All this and she has managed to start up a CIKA Young Set to ensure that the fundraising will go on well into the future for CIKA. And as if all that is not enough, she makes herself available to other auxiliaries who would like some help with their event or organisation.
Sandra, we would like to present you with a small token of our appreciation for your commitment and dedication to the children diagnosed with cancer, to CIKA, and the Royal Children’s Hospital.
For more information about CIKA Auxiliary visit the Annual Reports page.