Helping kids be kids – Meet Alice

Alice has faced more challenges in her short 6 years than many do in a lifetime. In July 2021, she was diagnosed with orbital rhabdomyosarcoma after her parents, Sian and James, noticed changes in her eye. Rhabdomyosarcoma is a type of soft tissue cancer that can develop anywhere in the body.

Alice immediately began treatment, enduring six months of chemotherapy and 28 rounds of radiation. Despite the harsh toll on her small body, Alice maintained her trademark smile throughout. By December 2022, she was declared cancer free, and her family spent Christmas out of hospital, filled with hope for the future.

However, by May 2023, changes in Alice’s eye signalled a relapse, and doctors confirmed the family’s worst fears: the cancer had returned. This time, the tumour was life-threatening, and the only option was to remove Alice’s eye to ensure the cancer could not return.

Alice’s courage and resilience continues to inspire many, as she bravely faces each new challenge with unwavering strength and a radiant smile.

Variety often finds the families go without when facing illness, and so we were delighted to present Alice and her siblings, William, Xander and Henry, with brand new bikes at the final night celebrations of the 2024 Variety Bash.

We know that bikes provide kids with an opportunity to join in with other kids in their community, build up their independence, and keep healthy and active.

It was great to see Alice, William, Xander and Henry, immediately get on their bikes and start to have fun!

Thank you to the Variety Bashers, and all of you, who support our work with those Queensland kids who need us most.