Children and young people who survive cancer often face ongoing physical, emotional, and social challenges following treatment. Fatigue, loss of strength, motor skill delays, pain, and anxiety are common, and these can significantly impact quality of life, confidence, and long-term health. Clinical guidelines recognise exercise as a safe and effective way to address these challenges, ...
Childhood Cancer Association
Exercise Program
GOAL
$50,000
Australia > SA > Metro and Regional
Field of Interest
- Health/wellbeing and medical research
- Individual/family services and support
Target Population
- People with a disability, illness or disease
- General population
Project Summary
Children and young people who survive cancer often face ongoing physical, emotional, and social challenges following treatment. Fatigue, loss of strength, motor skill delays, pain, and anxiety are common, and these can significantly impact quality of life, confidence, and long-term health.
Clinical guidelines recognise exercise as a safe and effective way to address these challenges, supporting recovery and helping children rebuild physical and mental resilience. In response to strong evidence and feedback from families and clinicians, the Childhood Cancer Association (CCA) is developing a dedicated Exercise Program.
The program is designed to be safe, engaging, and flexible, ensuring that every child can participate at their own pace and according to their abilities. Sessions will be facilitated by qualified exercise professionals with experience in pediatric oncology, in collaboration with healthcare providers, ensuring a holistic approach to recovery.
The Exercise Program is set to launch in 2026, but it cannot proceed without targeted funding. To deliver this vital service, the CCA currently requires $50,000. Funding will enable program development, staffing, resources, and equipment, ensuring that young survivors and their families have access to a service that supports both immediate recovery and long-term health and wellbeing.
Project Outcomes
The Childhood Cancer Association’s Exercise Program aims to improve recovery and quality of life for children and young people after cancer treatment. By providing individualised and clinically-informed exercise support, the program is expected to enhance physical, emotional, and social wellbeing, helping young survivors regain independence and confidence.
Physically, participants will experience improved strength, endurance, flexibility, and motor skills, reducing the ongoing effects of treatment such as fatigue, pain, and reduced mobility. This will support healthier growth and development, as well as better engagement in daily activities and school participation.
Emotionally, structured exercise will help lower anxiety, improve mood, and boost self-esteem. Group-based or peer-supported sessions will provide opportunities for social connection, helping children rebuild friendships and reduce feelings of isolation often associated with post-treatment recovery.
The program will also empower families by equipping them with knowledge and strategies to support their child’s ongoing exercise and wellbeing at home. By creating a consistent, safe, and positive environment, the program will reinforce the importance of long-term physical activity, promoting healthy habits that extend into adolescence and adulthood.
Expected outcomes include measurable improvements in physical fitness, motor skills, and emotional resilience, as well as increased participation in social and recreational activities. By addressing both immediate recovery needs and long-term health, the Exercise Program will provide a sustainable model of community-based support for pediatric cancer survivors. This initiative will bridge a critical gap in post-treatment care, ensuring young survivors have access to a service that empowers them to thrive beyond cancer.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $300,000
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| CCA's Gold Ribbon Gala Event | $250,000 |
| not confirmed | $50,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Salaries, Research, Development, Implementation | $300,000 |
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