Holly’s cancer battle inspires return of The Advertiser Foundation’s Unite4Kids Gala Luncheon

Holly knows what it’s like to fight cancer – diagnosed as a kid, she’s now been in remission for years. Now her story means other kids might be able to fight it too.

Cancer survivor Holly Mead with Childhood Cancer Association mascot Eliot the dog, two Captain Starlights and clown doctors Dr Dodo and Dr Bananas with The Advertiser Foundation’s Dan Demaria. Picture: Dean Martin

Holly Mead was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer two months before her seventh birthday.

After a two-year battle with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, the 15-year-old will celebrate six years in remission in June.

“It was the best news ever,” Holly said remembering the moment she found out.

But during her battle Holly felt “isolated” from her friends, family and school.

“You have to be so careful that you didn’t catch anything but also going through all these treatments and drugs and medicines alone,” she said.

Drawing on the strength of her parents Ben and Kim, the hospital staff and charities that supported her, Holly fought childhood cancer.

Now Holly is “healthy and cancer-free” but still faces “challenges” to this day.

“Because you went through so much when you were so little, it’s a lot to process,” she said.

Inspired by Holly’s health battle, The Advertiser Foundation has revived the Unite4Kids Gala Luncheon after a brief hiatus during the pandemic.

The event, which ran successfully for five years, is back and bigger than ever.

Moving to a larger venue at the William Magarey Room at Adelaide Oval, tickets for the 700-seated room are already sold out.

Head of The Advertiser Foundation, Dan Demaria said: “Despite moving to a bigger, 700-person room we are blown away that this lunch sold out almost immediately”.

“However we would love to get more silent or live auction items to raise money for these important causes,” he said.

The gala will raise money for a range of charities that support hundreds of seriously sick South Australian children. This year all funds raised will be donated to Childhood Cancer Association, Clown Doctors and The Starlight Children’s Foundation.

A range of live and silent auction items will be listed during the gala including four meet-and-greet tickets to Michael Buble in Adelaide as well as a private cooking experience with Africola chef Duncan Welgemoed, who will come to your house and cook dinner for you and nine friends.

Tables have been sold out to this highly anticipated event but donations are still welcome.

To donate send a cheque or money order to The Advertiser Foundation GPO Box 339 Adelaide SA 5000.

If you or your business wants to donate a live or silent auction item please contact [e-mail].