Brain tumours are the most common solid childhood cancer in Australia today. Brain tumours affect many systems of the body. Many children with brain tumours are hard of hearing from the chemotherapy; others have vision problems; some can’t walk or balance; whilst others are plagued by learning problems and mood disorders. There is also a high risk of recurrence and mortality, especially for malignant brain tumours. Brain tumours remain among the most costly out of pocket cancers to treat because sufferers are left with so many deficits – ie vision, hearing, mood and gait problems. The lifetime cost of treating a brain tumour per family is about three times more than the average costs families face for other cancers, according to the NSW Cancer Council.

The good news is that many inroads have been made in the treatment of brain tumours. Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick, through groundbreaking treatment and research, is leading the way in giving these children a much better chance of long term survival.

WHERE WILL THE MONEY GO FROM SKAT KATS CDs ?

All funds raised from Skat Kats CDs will go to Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick to keep the children’s brain tumour treatment and rehabilitation program operating. Private ongoing funding will soon cease and we need your help for it to continue. This vital program provides phsyio, occupational therapy, psychology services, speech therapy and other services for 40-60 children every year.

The Brain Tumour Rehabilitation Program offers a multidisciplinary team approach which ensures the best possible outcomes and optimum level of functioning for these children and their families. The highly talented team is made up of a neuro-oncology nurse co-ordinator, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, clinical psychologist, speech pathologist and neuro-psychologist. They liaise with closely with doctors and social workers and follow the children from the beginning of treatment at the hospital through to post discharge recovery.