The Oncology Children’s Foundation (OCF) is recognising International Childhood Cancer Day in 2010 by holding its flagship national event – Ring a Bell for Ben on 15th February. Cathedral and church bells will be pealing throughout the day in cities around the country to raise awareness about the importance of childhood cancer research.
The Australian and New Zealand Association of Bellringers (ANZAB) is facilitating the event. Cathedrals in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Canberra, Hobart, Adelaide and Perth are participating in the event.
OCF is a successful Australian charity willing to journey to the edge of science to find cures for childhood cancer. OCF targets those cancers with the lowest survival rates.
www.ocf.com.au
Event Details
Date: 15th February, 2010
Times: Various throughout day in different cities*
What: Ring a Bell for Ben is a national event
Cathedral Bells will be ringing in capital cities across the country to raise awareness about childhood cancer research and honour the life of Ben Clarke.
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Who is Ben?
Ben Clarke was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma in late 2006. Ben was treated at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. He went through aggressive treatment and remained positive and strong, an inspiration to his family, friends and community. Sadly Ben passed away in early 2008. His mum, Melissa Clarke has worked hard to raise awareness and much needed funds to support OCF’s research programs that target difficult-to-treat childhood cancers such as neuroblastoma.
“Our beautiful, gorgeous son left us on Friday 25th January 2008 at 6.15pm.
Ben was so very brave and strong throughout his battle and it is ironic that his favourite games on his beloved X-Box were all battle games: Call of Duty, Spiderman, Ulimate Alliance, Battlestations – a metaphor for his own battles, which while so bravely fought were sadly unable to be won.
I miss my Ben every day, his wicked sense of humour, his inquisitiveness, his companionship and his love”.
Ben’s Mum, Melissa.
