Amelia Gallagher lost her dad to brain cancer when she was only eight weeks old.
Now aged six, she is part of a new campaign to raise awareness of the disease and keep the memory alive of her dad Peter Gallagher, who died in 2012 at age 30.
The Newcastle Jets are also doing their part.
The Jets’ match against Perth Glory on Friday night will be part of an A-League campaign, dubbed Kick It For Brain Cancer.
Sarah Gallagher, of Waratah, said her husband lived with the disease for five years.
They were both aged 25 when he was diagnosed.
“The unknown was the hardest part,” said Ms Gallagher, who is Amelia’s mum.
“It was a whole new world that we didn’t think we’d have to be part of.”
She has made friends with other women whose husbands died from brain cancer.
“We help each other out. It gives you someone to talk to.”
Two of these female friends also have daughters, which is a great help for Amelia.
The campaign – run by Cure Brain Cancer Foundation – will be launched on Tuesday with players from A-League clubs, along with researchers and clinicians.
The foundation is aiming to raise $1 million to “help beat this brutal disease”.
Fans can support the initiative by buying a bandana or contributing to bucket collections at stadiums.
Philanthropists will match donations dollar-for-dollar.
The aim is to improve the chances of survival for people with brain cancer.
Cure Brain Cancer Foundation CEO Michelle Stewart said it was fitting that football – a team sport – was “pulling together to raise funds for brain cancer”.
“We know that finding a cure for this disease requires huge amounts of collaboration from researchers, scientists and philanthropists,” Ms Stewart said.
“We’re so grateful to Football Federation Australia and the A-League for supporting this incredibly important cause.”
She said the idea for an A-League round to support brain cancer came from Mark and Mariana Rudan, whose mother was diagnosed with brain cancer last September.
Mr Rudan is an SBS football analyst and former A-league player with Sydney FC and Adelaide United.
Ms Rudan is a former SBS newsreader.
The siblings were shocked to discover the lack of funding for brain cancer research and the scarcity of treatment options, despite major advances in other diseases.
“I strongly believe football can make a difference to the countless young lives affected by brain cancer in this country,” Mr Rudan said.
“It’s an awful disease.
“Having experienced its impact firsthand, I’m so determined that we – as a nation – can do more.”
For more details, check out the website kickitforbraincancer.org.au.
