Father’s Mission To Beat Deadly Cancer Hits Major Milestone

Burdekin-born Ren Pedersen OAM has dedicated his life to finding a cure for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), one of the deadliest paediatric cancers, after losing his daughter to the disease in 2009.

Last month, he and Home Hill native Megan Law represented the Burdekin at the official opening of the Minderoo Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre (MCCCC) in Sydney, a major cancer research centre that marks a significant step in his long-term mission.

Officially opened on 12 March, the government-funded facility brings clinicians, researchers and educators together under one roof in an Australian-first model designed to integrate childhood cancer research with clinical care.

Personally invited to the event by the Children’s Cancer Institute, Pedersen said the facility will be crucial in bringing cures to the bedsides of children across the country more quickly.

“The Children’s Cancer Institute’s stunning new facility unites the world’s best scientists with invested clinicians to expedite new treatments for North Queensland children,” Pedersen said.

“We are witnessing Australia’s entrance into the epicentre of brain cancer.”

Founder of Ren’s Million Dollar Mission, Pedersen has spent the last year travelling across Australia asking 1,000 individuals and businesses to donate $1,000 each in hopes of raising $1,000,000 that will go straight toward brain cancer research.

“We don’t fund bricks and mortar—that’s been done by the government and other entities. Our donation is going to empower our researchers to act in a better, more wholesome environment,” he said.

“People can now know that if they donate to our cause, it will be going to the premium product in cancer research on the planet.”

Pedersen’s efforts have already yielded over $500,000, with the latest $1,000 arriving courtesy of Home Hill Cricket Association, announced at last week’s Canefield Ashes tournament.

Pedersen said the support from the Burdekin region has been inspiring.

“Donations have primarily been from the Herbert-Burdekin region,” he said.

“In just a year, we’ve been able to crack half a million dollars. That’s largely thanks to fantastic community organisations like the Home Hill Cricket Association, the Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Dalle Cort… and the Burdekin locals as well.”

With his sights set on eclipsing the $1 million mark this year, Pedersen is encouraging the Burdekin to maintain its momentum.

“It’s about finding a cure so we can allow future children to sit and have a drink or a hot dog with their families and play cricket. That’s the whole ethos of Ren’s Million Dollar Mission,” he said.

“We’re just calling upon businesses to tap their credit card and give a tax-deductible donation of $1,000 for children who are dying.”

To support the campaign, visit https://www.ccia.org.au/event/rens-million-dollar-mission/home.

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