Dainere's Rainbow Brain Tumour Research Fund | Charity organisation

Dainere's Rainbow Brain Tumour Research Fund

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24.01.2022 Looking for a unique and wonderful Christmas present for 2020? How about picking up a copy of my book 'Anthony Christmas Bear'? This weekend at the Dainere's Rainbow Splendiferous Garage Sale of Hope, between 10am and 1pm on 21st and 22nd November, Delma View Gungahlin the 'Anthony Christmas Bear' book is available for you to purchase. ... The book cost is just $20, with all sales going to Dainere's Rainbow Brain Tumour Research Fund to help in finding a much needed cure for paediatric brain tumours. This book is not available in shops. 'The story tells the arrival of Anthony at the North Pole who is guided by the head Christmas bear, Theodore, to find him a job within Santa's Workshop. However, things don’t go according to plan for Anthony, but his quick thinking and actions save the day for all the world’s children.' Hope to see many familiar faces picking up a copy over the weekend ~Jarrett

23.01.2022 Often the prognosis for a child diagnosed with a brain tumour is one no parent wants to hear, "sorry there is nothing that can be done". Paediatric brain tumours are the number one cancer killer of children in Australia aand tragically approximately only ten percent of the Community are aware of this. As parents to lose a child to a brain tumour brings a lingering pain that is impossible to describe in words. You miss your child so badly that your heart feels like it has bee...n viciously torn in two. You are continually thinking of your precious child who you loved dearly with all your heart no matter where you are or what you're doing. You would do anything even have gladly given your life so that your child could live. You suffer a deep, inner ache that reminds you day and night that the one you love with all of your heart is not here. It is just not normal or right in any way for a child to leave this earth before their parents. Awareness needs to be raised about this disease within the Community so that we can create a change..... to funding, to treatment, to research, to prognosis so that no parents in the future suffer the heartache those who have lost a child to this disease have to live with every day.

23.01.2022 Today for the eleventh day of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we would like to extend our thoughts and love to the family of one truly extraordinary little boy, Benny, who tragically had his young life stolen at the age of just 4 eleven years ago today by DIPG, the most cruel and insidious brain tumour. His incredible family have, over the years reached out to assist so many other families in a multitude of ways in memory of Benny. Remember to turn September Golden to elevate a greater awareness of childhood cancer within your Community.

23.01.2022 This October , The Dainere's Rainbow Team are working to 'Scare Brain Cancer Away' In 2018 at our Spooktacular Gala Dinner, Nalani and Jarrett delivered this speech to the guests on the evening. They are truly incredible siblings continuing Dainere's legacy in the most loving and special way. "Fear is an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain or harm. It certainly is unpleasant to hear that a child could be diagnosed with something so cruelly devastating su...ch as brain cancer. Brain cancer steals the lives of a classroom of children each year. To know that someone so young, with still so much life left to live, is told they have a brain tumour, is unfathomable. From one day, being just a child, either at home or school, playing, laughing and enjoying life; to regularly being in hospital, away from surroundings and people they are most familiar and comfortable with, terrified beyond belief and having to grasp their life is in danger. What a shock to the system, particularly one as young as a child. For too long, the devastation and heartbreak childhood brain cancer brings and leaves behind, has been pushed away. It is far easier to turn your back on things too terrifying and saddening than to face them head on. But in over 4 decades, there has been next to no change in survival rates for the unfortunate children diagnosed with brain tumours. It is time we change this. Sure, brain cancer is scary subject matter, no one can deny that the disease is malevolent. But by not speaking about it and striving to create a change, brain cancer just keeps winning the battle, claiming innocent life after life, but together, we can take brain cancer down and win this war. It is time to stop letting brain cancer hide behind its mask it has been lurking beneath, wreaking havoc everywhere it goes. Brain cancer better watch out, because we are coming after it to end its unjust wrath".

22.01.2022 Today is the twenty sixth day of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Thank you to those who are helping to make September Golden and raise awareness of the devastation of childhood cancer and bring new hope for an improved future. Did you know that when a child has cancer and is going through procedures or treatment there are some special therapies that can assist them. Guided imagery - which uses the power of a soothing voice and a child’s magical imagination can help them to... cope with anxiety and pain during many frightening procedures. Using peaceful images and sounds while gently stroking their hand and arm, can lead the child to peaceful state of mind, drawn completely into the image that you have created for them. Using guided imagery has been reported to also help some children with nausea, anxiety and to get through lengthy MRI scans. During Dainere's intense chemotherapy we did use some guided imagery with varying results. Laughter - so often we hear that laughter is the best medicine, it can have a positive psychological and physical effect. Laughter can act as a coping strategy to reduce a child's feelings of fear, anxiety and pain. The Clown Doctors were regulars within the paediatric ward and put a smile and brought the gift of laughter to many children. Dainere did not get to see much of The Clown Doctors due to being isolated so often during treatment. Massage therapy - this can play a huge role in making a difference to a child, through their illness, recovery and as in Dainere's case her palliative care. Massage therapy can involve only a part of the body or can involved a full body massage. A foot massage while receiving chemotherapy can be extremely relaxing and can also have the benefit of reducing feelings of nausea. Research has actually shown that massage therapy can reduce physical discomfort, anxiety, insomnia, side effects of medication and general well-being. . Music therapy - can assist emotionally, physically, spiritually and can enhance quality of life. Music is known to promote relaxation and it can be used to assist with pain management, fear and anxiety. Music can give a child going through cancer treatment and procedures the feeling of being empowered by having music they love and enjoy playing. Whilst undergoing radiation Dainere was able to take along her favourite CD's and they were played during her treatment. She would ask to have some music playing when she was having chemotherapy and at night when she had such a dreadful ringing in her ears (tinnitus) she would listen to music to help her get to sleep.

21.01.2022 This is the reality of what it is like for a child diagnosed with a brain tumour. As Dainere's disease progressed she shared information about the things that were happening to her. She wanted to educate the community about paediatric brain tumours and also to help others with or those who in the future would be diagnosed with a brain tumour. "......At my appointment my Oncologist discussed how I am feeling. He has increased the dosage of my Ondansetron which is my anti-nause...a medication from 4mg to 8mg. You see I have recently experienced increased vomiting and terrible nausea despite having my Ondansetron. I am also going to start taking some MS Contin which is a slow release medication for pain. MS Contin is an opioid agonist product used for the management of moderate to severe pain it provides continuous pain relief, taken in the morning and in the evening. I have to have it as granules as I am unable to swallow tablets. After my appointment with my Oncologist, I then saw a Speech Therapist, who was looking at my swallowing and offered some helpful suggestions. She said as I am unable to swallow solid food due to my disease progression then I could try some of the liquid drinks like Ensure, Up and Go and others like that. She said to have food with gravy or sauce, to cut it smaller and blend it if possible. She thought lots of stews and casseroles would be ideal." Remember to make September Golden, Share Information and Help to Elevate Awareness of Childhood Cancer like Brain Tumours. Together we can unite to create change and give all children hope and the future they deserve.

21.01.2022 This was so special in 2017 for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we hope to be able to do this again during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in the future. "Today a Teddy Bear's Picnic Morning Tea was held at the Centenary Hosptial for Women and Children in the magnificent George Gregan Playground. Dainere's Rainbow worked with the ACT Health Minister to see this event take Place. Other wonderful local Childhood Cancer Organisations and medical staff were invited and honoure...d to be part to this event held especially for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This event saw people all with huge hearts, passion, devotion and the desire to help other family's going through the unimaginable and devastating journey of a childhood cancer diagnosis. All sharing, listening and uniting to bring about an awareness of Childhood Cancer within the Community. It was also so very special to share the morning with staff and children from the paediatric ward. A memorable moment from the morning was when Jarrett so eloquently and lovingly read Dainere's exceptional Children's Book, Theodore and Friends - Theodore is Left Out which encourages inclusion, empathy and tolerance of those who are different to all those present. Three families will hear the devastating and life changing words "your child has cancer" every day. So don't forget to turn September Golden to elevate increased awareness in the Community of Childhood Cancer".

20.01.2022 For Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, something extra special that you can do during the month of September is to give blood. Children being treated for cancer often need transfusions of blood and blood products and rely on donations to provide them with this life-saving gift.

20.01.2022 For the fifth day of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, words shared by Associate Professor Ziegler. "I think there is nothing more cruel or unjust in the world than to see a child die at a young age from an incurable disease. It remains a sad and devastating fact that brain tumours, as a group, are the number one disease, causing the most deaths in childhood. It is just not good enough that children, just like Dainere will die of a brain tumour." Dainere was such a tireless, ...selfless and inspring advocate for elevating awareness within the Community about paediatric brain tumours and how devastating they are. During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, you too can provide a voice and take action to elevate awareness and create an impact in the Community. Be Golden during September to make a difference. Visit the Dainere's Rainbow website to see some ways you can help create change. https://daineresrainbow.com.au//childhood-cancer-awarene/

19.01.2022 Dainere said "My little voice could only make a small difference......" Her gentle, soft, passionate, pure, caring little voice actually reached many corners of the world to people across every generation and all walks of life from medical professionals, to public servants, to those working in retail, to Mums and Dads, brothers, sisters, cousins, school children and retirees. Her selfless, tireless and inspiring actions to elevate awareness about paediatric brain tumours k...new no boundries. Often it was challenging and difficult as brain cancer is an extremely confronting topic, the brain is our bodies most vital organ and to the link the brain and cancer together is petrifying, the statistics, which have not changed in over three decades are daunting and truly devastating, the facts can be extremely alarming and tragically this is a cancer that affects all genders and ages; from new born babies, young children, teenagers, young adults, adults in their prime and the elderly. However, Dainere never, ever, ever gave up; even when she was suffering with so much pain and other horrific symptoms of the disease, even when she knew she did not have much time, even in her last days, she still wanted to make sure that people in the community were more aware of brain cancer. Dainere's quote finished off ".....but many voices could create change". It is through constant, dedicated, passionate and persistent awareness that there have been massive improvements in treatments and survival rates of other similarly horrendous cancers. So please consider having the courage to as an individual, as a family, as a small group, as a Community, as a Country, as the world......unifying and giving your voices and hearts as Dainere did to elevate awareness of brain cancer. It is through your actions that hope and change can occur.

18.01.2022 Garage Sale Trail, the recovery edition, was on Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 November 2020. This year’s event was all about helping people in the community to make or save money by buying or selling second-hand. The event is also one about sustainability through diverting valuable resources from landfill. Someone’s excess goods are often a treasure or much needed item for another person.... For Dainere’s Rainbow this event provided a valuable opportunity to elevate awareness and raise desperately needed funds in these difficult and tumultuous times to bring hope for children diagnosed with brain tumours. One hundred percent of all sales going directly to the world class research programs and projects the devoted Associate Professor Ziegler and his team are devotedly working on in memory of and as a legacy to Dainere. Always working towards the goal of a cure becoming a reality. Items we had and ones that several people with a shining light of human kindness donated for the sale were put in the Garage Sale for people in the community to purchase over the two days of the weekend. The Dainere’s Rainbow Team were able to meet a large variety of people within the Canberra Community and share Dainere’s inspiring story and the advocacy, awareness and fundraising efforts of Dainere’s Rainbow. Some of those who visited the Garage Sale purchased beautiful gifts to give to their loved ones this Christmas and at the same time they walked away feeling a ‘warm glow’ knowing that they were also helping to make a difference and bring hope to children diagnosed with brain tumours. We are so grateful to announce that $346.30 was raised and this year that means so very much. We would like to extend our heartfelt and humble gratitude to Anne and David, Monique and Mark, Bron, Bernadette, Patricia and Sally for their thoughtful and most generous contributions for the Garage Sale and to all those who attended and purchased items.

18.01.2022 On the 15th Day of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month sharing insights from Dainere about paediatric brain tumours and how dramatically they and current treatment affects a child. "Through my journey with a brain tumour that is cancerous, I have learnt the enormous and cruel impact it can have on me and the lives of all children diagnosed with a brain tumour. I really want people in the wider to community to have a deeper knowledge and understanding of what children with brai...n tumours face each and every day and what I am sharing here is only a small part of it. Paediatric brain tumours and their treatment can cause many, many changes, often these are long lasting and permanent. Around two thirds of children will have some type of disability due to their brain tumour. The level and extent of disability depends on the tumour type, the size and location of the tumour and exactly how it was treated. Any physical problems will depend on where the brain tumour was. The tumour and treatment can leave children with a weakness of an arm or leg, or on one side of the body. More than half of the children treated for a brain tumour will have some sort of physical problem, for example limb weakness, poor balance or shaking. Other physical problems can come and go. This can be in the form of fits or seizures, blackouts, headaches or migraines, loss of sight in one or both eyes and hearing difficulties. If a child has had radiotherapy to their pituitary gland or nearby areas, the brain may not make enough growth hormone afterwards. Children who have radiotherapy to the spine, face the effect that their spinal bones stop growing and also their face will not grow in proportion to their head. Puberty and fertility can also be greatly affected by a brain tumour and treatment. The majority of children have problems with learning after a brain tumour. Some of the changes will be due to the tumour and others from the treatment. Sadly, many children are permanently affected by their treatment. They may have a significant drop in their cognitive abilities, problems with learning new skills and ideas, poor short term memory, difficulties with problem solving and auditory processing. Other medical problems such as diabetes, heart, lung and kidney function, speech and swallowing are common effects of brain tumours and their treatment, so is an increased chance of a secondary cancer."

18.01.2022 For Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and on Father's Day we send our thoughts and love to all the bereaved Dad's. "The tears a Father cries are not always seen, a piece of his heart has been cruely ripped away when he loses a child. He constantly tries to hold it all together and to be strong as the world he knows comes crashing down around him. He is in pain and the shining light in his life has turned dim. He works hard and he smiles but his heart continually aches. Father'...s Day, a day of such mixed emotions; the feeling of being so blessed to have my absolutely extraordinary adult children but also a heartbreaking sense of deep loss and emptiness not having my beloved little angel Dainere here with her beautiful smile and ever so thoughtful nature. I Miss her homemade card, gift, her special hugs, her twinkling eyes and her little voice teling me she loves me so very much. Having lost Dainere is both emotionally and physically heartbreaking and devastating. It is a pain that endures. Although we may often conceal our emotions as a man, perhaps as a sign of strength, the loss we feel is exceptionally enormous, painful and even unbearable. I love and miss my special little girl more and more each day." ~ Stephen~ Please take the time this Month to help raise awareness of childhood cancer, let us turn September Golden and make a difference for our precious children.

17.01.2022 Today is the first day of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This evening we would like share the story of a most courageous and amazing brain tumour patient, a real little superhero....... Jett. With humble and heartfelt gratitude to his family for sharing this to help raise cruciual awareness....Continue reading

16.01.2022 For the third day of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, some facts to share. Childhood cancer is very different to adult cancer Brain cancer is the leading cause of death from disease in Australian children... Three families hear the words Your child has cancer everyday Ninety per cent of survivors of childhood cancer will develop chronic health conditions as a result of their cancer treatments Research is the only way to improve treatments and survivorship for children with cancer Creating greater awareness of childhood cancer and the importance of research can help save lives in the future Community donations are essential in order to improve cure rates and fund better treatments

14.01.2022 We shared a moving brain tumour story on the first day of childhood cancer awareness month and on this the last day of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Vanessa has so kindly written these words to share about her extraordinary cousin, Chris who had his young life cruelly stolen by this insidious disease. "I often see a young man, just in the streets or at shops and wonder if he be around 28 years or age This is the same age that my cousin should be this year!... But you see he never got to experience that, and often when I see young men I wonder what job Chris might had adventure into to, married and had children, what are he’s hobbies the list goes on.. but on the other side I sometimes see a young boy round 9 years old... and think that’s how young Chris was when taken away from all of us, his parents, his brother and sister, nan (pop had sadly passed away from cancer 48days prior to Chris been born!!) his cousins, school class mates, friends from camp quality the list goes on. Most times I think of an 8 year old though... as Chris was only 9 for 22 days! And naturally there wasn’t the usual carefree 9 year old as was towards the end of his 2nd brain cancer and getting more and more closer to heaven to be with our lord. Chris LOVED tigers footy Chris LOVED to hand feed parrots at jervis bay when on holidays Chris LOVED drumming Chris LOVED quad bikes Chris LOVED playing dominoes with nan Chris LOVED uno Chris LOVED going with he’s dad on the golf course and driving the buggy Chris LOVED to tell jokes Chris LOVED he’s lord Chris LOVED life To Chris I miss you so much, especially our birthday weekend visit to nan’s, (yes you were due in my birthday but came next day but we always visited nan the weekend closest to it so she can see us and we can see her etc) If only there was a way to see you again and also disappear all childhood cancer so innocent children don’t have to get it and go through treatment trying to survive and live. I will continue to spread awareness till I join you in heaven"

12.01.2022 GET READY TO TURN SEPTEMBER GOLDEN FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER.... Helping You To Be Golden This September: Golden Moments Share on Facebook and Instagram your ‘Golden Moments’ during this Month #turningseptembergolden #goldforkidscancer ... Light Up Gold Advocate for buildings to be lit gold in your street, school, business, suburb or State. Golden Bake Bake some golden delights and raise awareness and funds in your workplace, school or community Schools Turn Gold Have a Golden Mufti Day or Golden Sports Day Golden Gardens Plant Golden Plants in Your Garden or make some Golden Flowers and add a sign to let people know it is for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Golden Coins Collect as many gold coins as possible throughout the month of September and donate them to a charity committed to making the lives of children with cancer better, you may like to look for one that gives 100% of funds raised or donated. Gold Ribbon Wear a Gold Ribbon in your hair or on your clothing each day during the month of September or put a gold ribbon on your social media page Golden Locks Colour Your Hair with Gold or Golden Sparkles this Month to raise awareness and funds Gold Challenge Challenge yourself to a new challenge each day during the month and post on your social media to let people know why you are doing this Facts Are Golden Share as many Childhood Cancer Awareness Facts as possible with all your networks this September this will assist to elevate significant awareness within the community and may lead to more funds raised by childhood cancer specific charities. Golden Bear (in downloads) daineresrainbow.com.au/a/childhood-cancer-awareness-month/ Display a Gold Bear on your letterbox, house, garden, business, car or school.

11.01.2022 On the 13th day of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month here are some special things to do with your sibling who has being diagnosed with childhood cancer. Spending time together - Watch a movie, read a book out loud, decorate their room with pictures or drawings, play a board game, work on a special project/art/craft/song/poem/story. Comfort one another - Just being in the same room as your brother or sister can be a big comfort, do what feels best for the two of you, give hugs..., hold hands or say I love you", laugh or cry together, talk to one another, or just hang out in silence. Help by Being Thoughtful - help your sibling stay in touch with friends through email, letters or recorded messages, make or buy something matching for you and your sibling, try to stay positive but don't feel that you have to act cheerful all the time if that is not how you feel. Reflecting together - Keep a special journal together sharing thoughts or images, go for a walk together, sit outdoors together, play a song that is a connection between you.

10.01.2022 On Valentines Day in 2012 we found out that Dainere's cancer had spread to her spine, it was aggressive, it was incurable, all treatment options had been exhausted, the only option left was palliative care and she was expected to have a maximum of twelve months left on this earth. Tears, heartache, anger and shock are the many emotions that consumed us that day. The words "I'm sorry" rang in our ears as that is simply all that could be said when given a diagnosis like this. T...ravelling back home that day, Dainere asked for Mummy to sit in the back seat with her and she cuddled close and did not let go of my hand throughout the entire trip. It was a fairly silent trip, then Dainere said, "I will fight as hard as I can.....I don't want to leave you......I have so much to do to help other children.....I am a bit scared" then little tears fell from her eyes. Remember to turn the last ten days of September Golden to elevate awareness within the Community of Childhood Cancer.

10.01.2022 Ever so grateful and humbled by this extraordinary and ever so meaningful support by Qcity Transit. A shining light of human kindness burning ever so brightly to elevate vital awareness of this cruel and insidious number one disease killer of children in Australia. They are continually reaching out to bring hope and create change for every child diagnosed today, tomorrow and into the future. If you ever see the bus please say hello and thank you. You are also most welcome to share pictures to this page.

08.01.2022 Today is the tenth day of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and it is also R U Ok Day, a national day of action to reach out to others. Did you know that meaningful conversations can make an enormous difference to someone having a really difficult time. 2020 has been such a challenging year for everyone and for families going through a Childhood Cancer diagnosis it is significantly more tumultuous. ... So it is even more important for all of us to stay connected, to take the time to start a conversation by asking ........Are You Okay?

07.01.2022 Something that we were made aware of during Dainere's cruel and difficult journey with paediatric brain cancer was that there is a lack of talented young researchers entering the field of brain tumour research due to the lack of funding. There are also researchers who are producing high quality research results but with no funding to continue their work and there are many who are spending a significant number of hours and precious time applying for grants; going through the ...process and not receiving the scores required to gain the funding. Something to point out is that brain cancer has often being passed off as ‘too hard’ or ‘rare’, however it must be pointed out that paediatric brain cancer has the highest mortality rate of any other disease and any children that do survive more than five years are often severely comprised and need constant medical and personal care. Dainere had the courage, even when facing imminent death to raise her little voice and take action: she was passionate and determined and did not want more innocent children to continue to lose their lives to a disease that seems to be put in the ‘too hard’ pile and ignored. We are hoping that through awareness and advocacy about paediatric brain cancer in our Community, that a future generation of young people will aspire to undertake studies and enter the field of brain cancer research and that they will be supported by a continual injection of not only Community Funding but also Government funding to encourage and support them along the way.

06.01.2022 This weekend is the Garage Sale Trail and Dainere's Rainbow Splendiferous Garage Sale For Hope. We have a massive variety of items, there really is something for everyone. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the incredible thoughtful and generous people who so very kindly donated or made items for this event. ... These are the Sales in the Gungahlin Area, perhaps make it a special outing. https://www.garagesaletrail.com.au/sales Hope to see you on either Saturday or Sunday between 10am and 1pm. A small sample of the incredible items we have.

03.01.2022 Tomorrow is the last day of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. We would like to take the time to express our most heartfelt and truly humble gratitude to all those extraordinary people who showed a shining light of human kindness in assisting to Turn September Golden. These are inspiring and selfless words shared by Dainere: ... "In our lives we often underestimate the true power of a smile, a touch, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment and the act of just simply caring. These all have the potential to turn a life around; tomorrow and everyday take the time to reach out and change a life". We would like to invite you to be part of working towards a more prominent and widespread Golden September 2021 for Childhood Cancer by continuing to elevate awareness about Childhood Cancer and especially brain cancer within the Community each and every day. This is a very special project that Dainere requested and one that we hope will reach far and wide and beyond all expectations....... 'Pot of Gold' for Childhood Cancer. At the end of every rainbow is a pot of gold and from tomorrow you can be a rainbow of hope in the lives of children diagnosed with cancer...... start saving gold coins and collect them in your 'Pot of Gold' all the way through until 30th September 2021. Then visit the Dainere's Rainbow website and hit the donate button to make a difference. We encourage you and would absolutely love you to share throughout the year to this page how your collection is going. Your 'Pot of Gold' will go a very long way in working towards the most precious gift in this world.....the reality of a cure!

02.01.2022 For the seventeenth day of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month we would like to talk about Stem Cell Harvesting for Autogluous Transplant. Dainere was donating her own stem cells (autogluous) so they could be transplanted back after each chemotherapy treatment. An autologous stem cell transplant is a treatment, which allows very high doses of intensive chemotherapy to be given to you whilst your own bone marrow cells should remain protected. In order to protect the cells from th...e chemotherapy they are removed and stored in a special liquid nitrogen freezer until they are needed. These are Dainere's words about how her stem cells were harvested. "The first step in the process after having my vascath inserted was that I had to have GCSF injections. You see GCSF is a special protein which occurs naturally your body and controls how bone marrow makes new blood cells. For me having GCSF injections caused high numbers of stem cells to be ‘mobilised’ from the bone marrow into my peripheral blood stream. I had to have the GCSF injections for three days, the injections were given to me at 4am which a nurse woke me up for and 4pm each day. To donate my stem cells I had to be hooked up to a large machine could have been a prop from a horror movie. The machine is called an Apheresis machine or a cell separator where my blood went through the machine and it separated my blood into its various components and one particular constituent (mine was stem cells) is removed, before returning the remaining blood back in to the circulation. Lines were connected from the machine to my vascath and then my blood was taken out (up to 170ml) at a time. It was was very fascinating and interesting and while I was hooked up to the machine, the Professor who was involved with inventing the procedure came in, he enjoyed telling me all about the process and how it will assist me. The worst part of being hooked up to the machine was that it was so boring being on it and I was not able to move too much, if I needed to go to the toilet a bed pan was brought in and Mum lifted me carefully onto it. On the first day I was on the machine for five hours and then on the second day for six hours. They had to collect at least 8 million cells, after my two days on the machine not been able to move they had collected a grand total of 10.8 million cells. These cells they harvested were then taken away and frozen to be given back to me when I have my chemotherapy".

01.01.2022 Dainere wrote these words just weeks before she died....."Even the smallest act of kindness and generosity can have the power to change the world. I have spoken previously whilst tirelessly, passionately and devotedly put my everything into elevating awareness and raising funds that if every Australian gave just $1, we could potentially raise what is needed to finally find the elusive cure for paediatric brain cancer. You would have to agree that this would be the greatest ...gift we can give future generations". If you come along to support the Dainere's Rainbow Splendiferous Garage Sale for Hope this Saturday or Sunday from 10am to 1pm you can help see greatest wish of a cure for this truly insidious and cruel disease become a reality. 100% of all sales on the day will go directly to bringing hope and creating change. Every single dollar really is significant and means so much. There are some truly phenomenal items to purchase and when you purchase something is goes towards making a difference. The Anthony Christmas Bear Book will also be available on the two days, this book is one for the whole family to treasure always. The cost is $20 and again 100% of all sales go directly to the vital and world class research projects and programs set up as a legacy and in memory of Dainere.

01.01.2022 There are only eight days remaining in Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. We wanted to express our most sincere and heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has shared facts, worn a yellow ribbon, painted their nails gold, worn a gold tee-shirt, worn a gold wig, made a donation or raised funds in any way. When people unite, show they care and raise their voices to bring about a greater knowledge in the Community about something as important as childhood cancer that is when we can create a positive change for future generations.