6 days, 500km's, 12 dedicated riders with 1 goal:
To help cure childhood brain cancer
On October 15th - 20th, 'Ride for Em' will be conquered by 12 dedicated riders, all passionate in helping change the future of childhood cancer in honour of Emily.
Our riders are Adam Page, Andrew Craig, B.J. So, Cam McQueen, Clare Barnes, Grant Mackay, Guy Jarman, Matthew Barnes, Michael King, Mike Salaun, Nick Renwick and Sam Page.
Please read our story below and help us on our mission by donating today!
Donate Now
Ride for Em
On 28 October 2021, 4 year old Emily was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), an aggressive childhood brain cancer.
Tragically, just 7 months later Em passed away from this devastating disease at the age of 5.
Emily's father, B.J., is set to join a team of cyclists who are on a mission to raise urgent funds for medical research, to help turn the tide on DIPG
"It's impossible to describe the pain of losing our youngest daughter Emily.
But this is one way we can honour her life, and raise much needed funding and awareness about this devastating cancer that has forever changed our family."
- B.J., Emily's Father.
In March 2022, Em's Uncle Matthew Barnes founded the inaugural Ride for Em, joining a team of riders who cycled over 500kms from Macksville to Wollongong.
Now, Em's friends and family are taking on the challenge to ride 500km from Mt Kosciuszko to Wollongong in October 2023, to raise even more funds to help fight this deadly disease.
But, they need your support!
"The ride was an unforgettable experience. We were truly touched by the generosity of people along the way, and we ended up raising almost $50,000 for brain cancer research.
But, we know there's so much more to be done to prevent another child, just like Em, from going through this.
We must support medical research into DIPG, because a breakthrough will change so many lives. "
- Matthew, Emily's Uncle
Please donate generously to help one day cure childhood brain cancer
Ride for Em made the news!
We are extremely proud of BJ and Heather for sitting down with WIN News for an interview to share Em's brave story and showcase the amazing efforts of our Ride for Em team.
About Children's Cancer Institute and DIPG Research
Children’s Cancer Institute is the only independent medical research institute in Australia wholly dedicated to curing childhood cancer. Cancer kills more children than any other disease, so our research is critical.
Our Institute is the Australian hub of the international DIPG registry, a global network of researchers and clinicians working on DIPG.
Our Brain Tumours group is the only laboratory program in the country dedicated to researching and finding new treatments for DIPG.
With the brightest brains, cutting-edge facilities, and the greatest determination, we will get the job done.
Thank you to our amazing supporters
Richard Hurst
Michael Mandicos
Jack Borgo
Paul McDermott
katia Gryadunova
Vicki Gilbert
S & T G
Peter Irr
Greg Leghissa
