Run for the Kids 2024: Race is on to help sick kids

The race is on - the Herald Sun / Transurban Run for the Kids returns on Sunday, March 17, 2024. Here’s everything you need to know.

Abby Bourke with daughter Remy get ready for Run for the Kids. Picture:Rob Leeson.

When Remy Bourke was about to turn six months old, her family’s “whole world came crashing down”.

“I noticed she was losing weight quite quickly, even though we were breastfeeding and she’d started solids. That mum instinct kicked in, I thought something doesn’t feel right,” mum Abby said.

Remy was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a cancer that most commonly affects children five years or younger.

“The tumour was 9x4cm and had spread to her liver, lymph nodes and skin,” an emotional Abby said. “(It’s) wrapped around her aorta and, at the time, was starting to compress her spine. It was consuming her little body.”

Abby and husband Luke moved from Ballarat to Melbourne for four months to be closer to the Royal Children’s Hospital, where Remy underwent further tests and treatment, including biopsies and two rounds of chemotherapy.

Now 2½ years old, Remy’s prognosis is good. While she still attends the Royal Children’s every three months for MRIs and blood tests to monitor the tumour, her treatment plan has had success shrinking it.

About 50 of her family and friends will join next year’s Herald Sun/Transurban Run for the Kids on March 17 to raise money for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. Entries open 9am on Friday. Register at runforthekids.com.au by midnight November 27 to access the Super Saver Sale.