Who we are, what we are about ...

Bob recognised the day his daughter was diagnosed with cancer that she had every chance of surviving due to the unquestionable dedication of Hospital Staff and Medical researchers.  This together with the wonderful fundraising efforts and support over the years from individuals, the public, and various community and business groups has allowed the development of better treatment plans for the search for a cure for childhood cancer.  Medical research is one of the major reasons Bob’s daughter, Rebecca is alive today.  In 1962 only 2 % of children survived cancer – today 70 - 75% of children survive.

700 Australian children are diagnosed with cancer each year.  Despairingly 25% of these kids do not survive - its every parent’s nightmare.  Bob and his team came to a realisation of the type of organisations they share the greatest affinity with: those that strive for medical research for the search for a cure and better treatment plans, emergency and medical organisations who assist in that search and those that support and help bring some quality into the lives of seriously ill children and their families.

Whilst Bob is readily identified as the spearhead that propels the fundraising it is abundantly clear that a venture of this magnitude requires a host of support people.  The fact that Bob was so easily able to second this support amongst colleagues, friends and the community speaks volumes for their own sense of decency and compassion.

From Bob’s initial solo paddle in 1998 and experiences since, he has always known that, Team Kayaking for Kemo Kids can make a difference and can have a far greater impact on the lives of the children, and the fortunes of the Charities involved.  It is though this “Australian battler spirit”, and the efforts and involvement of a group of like-minded people that Kayaking for Kemo Kids was founded and continues to grow.