Ren Pedersen OAM’s fight against the deadliest childhood brain cancer edged closer to a breakthrough when his ‘Million Dollar Mission’ received a $13,000 boost from local businesses, organisations, and dignitaries following last week's Burdekin Chamber of Commerce meeting.
Pedersen, a Burdekin native now residing in Townsville, returned to the region as a special guest at the Chamber meeting, where he challenged 100 local businesses to donate $1,000 each toward his mission to provide accessible, life-saving treatments for sufferers of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG)—the deadliest childhood brain cancer in the world.
His appeals were met with immediate support from locals, including Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort. Further donations followed, including a $10,000 pledge from a well-known Ayr organisation, whose identity remains anonymous.
The recent flurry of contributions leaves the mission just shy of the $200,000 mark—already a fifth of the way to the ultimate $1 million target, which will fund critical DIPG research.
Pedersen is now travelling across Australia as part of his Million Dollar Mission, appealing to 1,000 individuals and businesses to donate $1,000 each. Contributions will support two key projects at the Children’s Cancer Institute, led by Professor David Ziegler and Dr Maria Tsoli, focused on targeting tumour cell survival pathways and mapping the brain microenvironment to develop new treatments.
Ren’s drive stems from the tragic loss of his daughter, Amy—a “spirited little redhead who loved ballet, athletics, singing at school talent shows, and wearing monster teeth.” At just seven years old, Amy was diagnosed with DIPG. Sixteen months later, the disease claimed her life.
“Since we lost Amy, I’ve used every ounce of energy to raise money for research that will find the answers to DIPG,” Pedersen says.
Thanks to the Burdekin’s characteristic generosity, Ren is now closer than ever to uncovering those answers.
“The Burdekin now has her fingerprints all over one of the most important projects in Australia’s medical history, for which embattling brain cancer families are eternally grateful,” he says.
Ren Pedersen OAM, Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, and Burdekin Chamber Treasurer Kari Ravizza at Tuesday's Burdekin Chamber of Commerce meeting. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
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