In a display of support and solidarity, 13-year-old Kai Nixon from Adelaide will see his battle with leukemia showcased at the 2024 VAILO Adelaide 500, an iconic motorsport event. His face will feature on the helmet of V8 SuperUtes driver Jimmy Vernon, who is set to race from today, November 14th to Sunday November 17th, 2024.
Kai, who was diagnosed with leukemia in July 2023, will enjoy an unforgettable racing experience along with his family. They have been invited to access all areas of the event, presenting an exciting behind-the-scenes look at motorsport. This includes sitting in Vernon’s SuperUte, visiting the Pit, and meeting various drivers.
Jimmy Vernon is not only a competitor but also serves as an ambassador for the Kids with Cancer Foundation. He dedicates 20 per cent of his corporate sponsorship earnings to aid the foundation’s support programs. These programs include direct financial assistance to families for household bills and medical expenses, and funding for pediatric clinician positions and children’s hospital infrastructure.
The severity of Kai’s condition became apparent when, after two weeks of Kai being unwell – and having visited the local doctor three times already – Kai’s mum, Tricia, took him to Adelaide Women’s and Children’s Hospital. At 1:30am, after 7 hours of being in emergency and after Kai having many tests, a doctor advised Kai and his mum Tricia that he had some serious news. Tricia recalls: “My stomach turned into knots, tears started and then the doctor wanted to speak to me privately. The initial words ‘your son has cancer’ still take my breath away and my heart is shattered.”
Kai was admitted to hospital and initially spent 14 days in hospital starting treatment straight away, and seeing complications right from the start. “From that day to now I could write a book on this horrendous journey our life has taken,” says Tricia.
Kai’s treatment has been grueling, marked by intensive chemotherapy since his diagnosis. The demands of the treatment meant significant life adjustments, including missing a year of school and various milestones that his peers achieved.
The opportunity to have a weekend where Kai and his family can have fun, enjoy the fast cars action and just forget for a moment, is one they are all excited about. For Kai, being featured on a racing car drivers helmet is an absolute thrill.
The Kids with Cancer Foundation has a longstanding partnership with the Adelaide Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Since 2003, the foundation has contributed $2.9 million to the hospital. This funding supports vital oncology positions, including roles specifically focused on oncology, bone marrow transplant, and leukemia. These positions are crucial for delivering specialized care to children battling cancer.
For more information about Kids with Cancer Foundation, visit www.kidswithcancer.org.au
To follow V8 Superute driver Jimmy Vernon as he races for Kids with Cancer, visit https://www.facebook.com/JimmyVernonRacing
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