Two forces unite in the fight against rare childhood diseases

Dr Udani Reets
Chief Executive Officer
Mar 7, 2025
Share this article

In medical research, breakthroughs can happen when unexpected connections are made. The intricate relationship between childhood cancers and Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes represents one such critical intersection, where collaborative research could make a difference for young patients.

Recognising this powerful opportunity, Children's Cancer CoLab and Maddie Riewoldt's Vision have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on these challenging conditions and share insights that will help progress our individual organisational missions.  

Genetic mutations affecting bone marrow can lead to both cancer and Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes. By collaborating, both charities hope to improve outcomes for children and adolescents affected by these rare diseases.  

Rare, childhood cancers and Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes have devastating effects on patients and their families. Three Australian children die every week from cancer, and one in five children diagnosed with cancer do not survive.

In Australia, up to 160 people will be diagnosed with a Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome every year. Most of those impacted are children and young people and tragically, 50% will not survive.

CEO of Children’s Cancer CoLab, Dr Udani Reets, said the MOU represented a pivotal moment for both organisations.

“Sharing insights and exploring research funding opportunities can enhance our impact and optimise resources. This MOU will help us collaborate effectively, reduce duplication, and improve outcomes for patients and their families.”

CEO of Maddie Riewoldt's Vision, Amy Coote, added:

"This partnership reflects our shared commitment to driving meaningful change for those impacted by these life-threatening conditions. By combining our expertise and resources, we can accelerate research progress and offer renewed hope to patients and families living with Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes and childhood cancers."

Children’s Cancer CoLab is dedicated to funding collaborative research and innovation for young cancer patients.

Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision is dedicated to advancing vital medical research and providing essential support services to Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome patients and their families.

Share our stories

All stories published by Children’s Cancer CoLab can be shared under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International license, which means you're welcome to share and adapt our content with proper attribution using the details below.

Share this post
Dr Udani Reets
Chief Executive Officer

Sign up to our newsletter

Stay connected with Children’s Cancer CoLab.

Support us

More ways you can make an impact

Your support drives critical research and innovation that will change lives. By supporting Children's Cancer CoLab, you become part of a community working to ensure every young patient with cancer survives and thrives. Our approach unites top researchers across disciplines and institutions, breaking traditional barriers to accelerate discoveries from the lab to clinic, creating real impact for young cancer patients and their families.