Adelaide Oval is set to host a dynamic group of media personalities, sporting legends, and corporate leaders for the Sony Foundation’s inaugural ‘Adelaide4Ward’ event today. Funds raised during the inaugural Adelaide4Ward will directly support the Sony Foundation’s commitment to establishing a ‘You Can’ youth cancer centre in Adelaide, the first of its kind in the state.
The event promises a star-studded lineup, featuring performances by acclaimed Sony Music Entertainment artists Daryl Braithwaite and Royston Noell. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a special fireside chat with The Hon Peter Malinauskas MP, Premier of South Australia, alongside Gill Hicks AM MBE and Travis Head, moderated by the engaging Nick Ryan.
Sony also plans to announce a groundbreaking commitment to fund a world-class health facility for young cancer patients in South Australia, the first ‘You Can’ youth cancer centre at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. A formal announcement regarding the construction of this groundbreaking centre at the Royal Adelaide Hospital is set to be made during the event.
Meet some of the biggest names in media like Sylvia Jeffreys (Nine), Rebecca Morse (SAFM), Tom Rehn (Nine), Jade Robran (FIVEAA, Seven), and Jodie Oddy (NOVA), as well as a host of other media personalities and sporting legends, as they join the Sony Foundation’s South Australian Fundraising Advisory Committee, led by Rachel Atkins (Chair), to champion this vital cause.
Sarah Abbott, Owner & Director, Sassafras was involved with the Queensland committee and will be sitting on the SA Committee of Sony Foundation
“This is due be to Adelaide’s biggest charity event, and will raise money for much needed support for young people with cancer and their families,” Sarah said.
“It’s twofold, we want to build a purpose built Ward in the RAH and we want to build accommodation for cancer patients’ families,” Sarah added.
Sony Foundation has raised over $47 million for youth-related causes since 1998, aiming to improve health and well-being outcomes for young Australians. The national youth cancer initiative, ‘You Can’, focuses on filling the gap in support for 15-25-year-olds facing cancer, and your involvement can help make a real difference.
Adelaide4Ward marks the fourth instalment in Sony Foundation’s national ‘4Ward’ event series, which has successfully united corporate partners in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane for nearly 15 years. This series has raised significant funds for the Sony Foundation’s youth cancer initiative, ‘You Can’.
Established in 2010 in response to alarming findings from a Senate Inquiry into Australian cancer care, the ‘You Can’ program addresses the unique needs of adolescents and young adults (AYA) facing cancer diagnoses, who often find themselves too old for children’s hospitals and too young to be treated alongside older patients.
The Senate Inquiry highlighted the urgent need for age-appropriate spaces and services in hospitals, driving the Sony Foundation’s commitment to building youth cancer centres across Australia. To date, the Sony Foundation has committed over $13 million to bridge this gap.
To date, five ‘You Can’ youth cancer centres have opened in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane, serving as vital hubs for specialised treatment and support services. These centres provide crucial medical care and also create safe, social environments where young patients can connect with peers, fostering essential support networks.
Sophie Ryan, CEO of Sony Foundation, emphasized the importance of this initiative.
“More 15-29-year-olds are diagnosed with cancer each year than children, yet their specific needs are often overlooked, leading to higher mortality rates and significant financial and psychosocial burdens,” she said.
“This dedicated youth cancer ‘You Can’ Centre will be a game changer for youth cancer patients treated in Adelaide, providing a haven and the best chances for survival and thriving post-treatment.”
Daryl Braithwaite, a long-standing supporter of the Sony Foundation, expressed his excitement about performing at the inaugural event.
“The ‘4Ward’ events are vital for raising funds and awareness for youth cancer issues. I am proud to support this initiative and excited to see South Australia come together to show young people battling cancer that we stand behind them.”
For those interested in learning more about the Sony Foundation’s Adelaide4Ward, visit sonyfoundation.org/event/adelaide-4-ward.
Buy your tickets, here.
More News
