HELPING KIDS WITH BRAIN CANCER – THE #1 DISEASE KILLER OF YOUNG PEOPLE
IN MEMORY OF
ROBERT CONNOR DAWES
mRNA Vaccine Technology Gives Hope to Children with Brain Cancer
We are proud to announce that we have partnered with The University of Queensland, committing over $1.2 million to develop a brain cancer vaccine. With in-kind support from the University and a total project investment of approximately $2.4 million over a three year period, it is the first of its kind to apply technology to treat paediatric brain cancer.
Row your heart out for brain cancer
Registrations for Connor’s Erg are now open! Registration is free and easy. We’re inviting gyms, schools, workplaces, rowing clubs and individuals to register and set their own rowing challenge in 2025.
A night to remember
Tickets are now on sale for our 2025 Brainy Ball! Individual and tables available, purchase now to take advantage of Early Bird pricing (ends January 31)
SPREAD CHRISTMAS CHEER, WITH RCDF THIS YEAR!
The Silly Season will be here before we know it! We have a few ways you and/or your workplace can support the Robert Connor Dawes (RCD) Foundation and check a few items off your Christmas “to do” list.
Thank you! $1.7 million raised for kids with brain cancer. Save the date for Connor’s Run Melbourne 2025, 14 September.
RCD Foundation Head of Research, Dr. Kim Wark recently held a webinar about our latest research investments. Contact Lisa Bird to get a copy.
Join Team RCD
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the 2024 Noosa Triathlon as a part of the RCD Foundation team,
Join us again in 2025, registrations open November 21. Stay tuned!
LIZ SPEAKS
I love what I do… I hate why I’m doing it
Liz has developed powerful & practical tools that she practises every day: Re-framing, re-imagining & re-affirming. Liz can provide new perspectives and inspire your team, group or company.Book Liz to speak at your next meeting or event.
Learn more
VICTORIAN CONTAINER DEPOSIT SCHEME
Help the planet and kids with brain cancer! You can receive 10c back from the donation of eligible drink containers at donation return points.
Learn more
AIM BRAIN UPDATE
AN AUSTRALIAN FIRST: NEWLY ACCREDITED DIAGNOSTIC TEST TO TRANSFORM DIAGNOSIS OF CHILDREN WITH BRAIN CANCER.
‘ONE AWESOME MOTHER’
LIZ DAWES’ OAM ANNOUNCEMENT
We’re extremely proud to announce Robert Connor Dawes Foundation CEO & Founder, Liz Dawes has received an Order of Australia (OAM) medal for her tireless and passionate work in changing the odds for young Australians with brain cancer. Liz has been working toward this mission every day since losing her 18 year old son, Connor to this cruel disease in 2013.
ARE YOU A KEEPER?
While it doesn’t sound like much, giving up even one coffee a week and donating that $5 could make a life changing difference to young brain cancer patients. And when you become a regular donor, we’ll make it official and send you your very own RCD Foundation Keep Cup!
GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK
Choose a gift that does good! We have something for even the fussiest family members. From jewellery to picnic blankets to cycling gear, you’ll not only be giving a unique pressie, but you’ll be helping support paediatric brain matters. How many gifts can do that?
$10 MILLION FOR PAEDIATRIC CANCER CLINICAL TRIALS
Thanks to brain cancer industry collaboration and the Federal Government, The Australian and New Zealand Children’s Haematology/Oncology Group (ANZCHOG) and the Australian Brain Cancer Mission are set to receive $10 million over five years!
FIND OUT MORE
THE FACTS
Brain cancer kills more children than any other disease. 80% of those diagnosed with high grade tumours will lose their battle within five years. For 30 years brain cancer has remained critically underfunded and as a result, survival rates have barely changed in that time. We’re here to change that.
THE MISSION
We’re all about changing the odds of paediatric brain cancer, to make brain tumours go the way of the dinosaurs. This is why we we fund brain projects in the areas of research, care and development – to fund the science to end brain cancer and support patients in the meantime.
OUR IMPACT
We’re proud of the many things we have achieved together with our community. Most recently we announced support for the next-gen tech of brain tumour molecular subtyping.
SPIRITED
CONNOR
For 16 months, Connor’s brilliant mind, strong body and gentle soul faced off against an ependymoma. Like many others, his brains and brawn gave it all to fight against the poor odds. But on April 20, 2013, Connor’s own battle ended. Inspired by his spirit of Aeternum Fortis, we created the RCD Foundation as a tribute to him and other brain tumour fighters.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Presented with an Order of Australia Medal 2022 – Liz Dawes
Named AFR 100 Women of Influence 2018 – Liz Dawes
Nominated for Australian of the Year Award 2017 – Liz Dawes
Local Hero 2016 – Electoral Division of Goldstein – Liz Dawes
Victoria / Tasmania Park & Recreation 2015 – Event of the Year – Connor’s Run
Melbourne Awards 2015 – Community Event Finalist – Connor’s Run
Australia Day Award 2015 – Bayside Citizen of the Year – Liz Dawes
Australia Day Award 2014 – Bayside Event of the Year – Connor’s Run
THE RCD STORE
Goods that do good. And lots of them! Check out our top-selling products.
Follow brain matters: 
