An 11-year-old Kellyville girl who overcame childhood cancer is helping inspire Australians to support this year’s Jeans for Genes campaign.
Ruby is one of the 2026 faces of the annual fundraiser, which supports research at Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI). Her parents, Laurie and Craig, said taking part is their way of giving back.
Ruby was six when she was diagnosed with T-cell leukaemia after months of unexplained aches and pains.
One of the hardest moments for Laurie came when she had to explain the diagnosis to her young daughter.
“She was sitting on my lap and I remember her looking up at me saying, ‘Mummy, is this worse than when I knocked my teeth out?’ And honestly, I don’t know how I responded. It was just such a crazy moment in life where you think, ‘Darling, this is going to be quite a ride for you’.”
Ruby underwent chemotherapy, lumbar punctures, bone marrow tests and countless blood tests. Today, she is a healthy 11-year-old in remission.
Laurie said being selected as a Jeans for Genes ambassador was a privilege.
“Ruby and our family feel very special and privileged to have been asked to be the childhood cancer ambassadors for Jeans for Genes,” she said.
“Although it’s sometimes difficult for us to relive Ruby’s story and what she went through, we feel very honoured to be able to share her journey and give back and support Jeans for Genes and the Children’s Medical Research Institute team.”
Ruby’s oncologist, Professor Luciano Dalla-Pozza, who is also a member of Children’s Medical Research Institute’s (CMRI) Board of Directors, explained her leukaemia was caused by genetic mutations, but scientists still don’t know what triggers those changes, Craig said.
Craig said the family never hesitated when asked if Ruby’s blood and bone marrow samples could be used for research.
“For us, it was just a no-brainer to say yes. Anything we can do to help find a future cure for this horrible disease is something we wanted to be a part of.”
Laurie said not every family had the same outcome.
“Some are still battling with it, they haven’t been quite as lucky and unfortunately, we’ve met others who haven’t made it through. “We’re just very grateful.”
“Community support for Jeans for Genes Day plays a huge role in providing the funding and awareness for childhood cancer research and the amazing work at the Children’s Medical Research Institute,” Laurie said.
“Without the community support, they simply would not be able to move forward with their groundbreaking research and development of new and improved childhood cancer treatment options.”
People can continue supporting Jeans for Genes throughout August by purchasing jeans at Lowe’s stores, with $10 from every pair sold donated to support childhood cancer research. More information is available at jeansforgenes.org.au.
