Cancer touches the lives of one in three Queenslanders. But thanks to people like you, they have a better than 50 per cent chance of successful treatment.

This year we have allocated over $9 million towards essential research projects that are giving hoping to cancer patients around Queensland and Australia.

This Christmas appeal tells the story of two-year-old Mia Francesca ’s battle against leukaemia. Mia Francesca use to enjoy playing in the park but one day she fell of her bike. It was at the park that Mia Francesca’s illness first became apparent, as mum Maria explains, 

“Mia Francesca had fallen off her bike. It was an innocuous accident that we didn’t think much about at the time. Afterwards she was walking funny and was a little bit unstable, but otherwise quite happy. Then the following Saturday morning, she just stopped walking. We called the hospital. Within half an hour of having a hip X-Ray, we were told that she had leukaemia and needed chemo.”

Every parent is familiar with the fear of an apparently minor ailment hiding something far more serious. When those fears become true, it’s like a shockwave right through the heart. Mia Francesca’s father, Tim, told us,

“The moment in casualty when I heard the words, ‘We need to talk to you in private’ – that’s when the panic starts. I remember, as we walked with the doctor, I could hear Maria whispering under her breath, ‘Oh my God.’ Then our lives changed forever.” 

Mia Francesca’s leukaemia has so far responded well to her first round of chemotherapy, and Tim and Maria are hopeful for the future. In the meantime, the toxicity of the chemotherapy is taking its toll on Mia Francesca’s little body – and on the freedom of her and her family to live their lives. 

All Tim and Maria really want is a normal life. The chance to share a family holiday. An ordinary trip to the shops with Mia Francesca and Nicolas. Maybe even a happy, carefree Christmas in the comfort of their own home.

But, sadly, their festive season will be spent shuttling back-and-forth from the hospital, or cut off from the outside world to protect their daughter from infections that could cost Mia Francesca her life. 

Together, we can create a world where everyone affected by cancer can enjoy the same hope for the future.

Read an email that Mia Francesca's Dad sent to Prof Jeff Dunn, CEO of Cancer Council Queensland updating us on Mia Francesca's condition. Or read Mia Francesca's brother, Nicolas' Christmas wishlist.

Send in your message of hope

You may also be able to bring a little joy to Mia Francesca herself by returning the Christmas fairy together with your gift. Your decoration will be sent to Mia Francesca’s family to read or will be hung with those from other like-minded supporters throughout our offices.

You can print and cut out the Christmas Fairy and send it in with your donation to Cancer Council Queensland, PO Box 201, Spring Hill, 4004. Or donate online and send in your Christmas Fairy separately.

A donation to our Christmas appeal can help save lives now and in the future. Cancer Council Queensland relies on your generosity to continue and expand programs in cancer control – funding vital cancer research, educating Queenslanders about the importance of prevention and early detection, and providing practical help to those diagnosed with cancer and their families.

Donations over $2 are tax deductible and are a wonderful way to commemorate, celebrate or contribute to life. A receipt for your donation will be posted to you.

Donations can be made online or by phone on 1300 65 65 85.