02.12.2024Room for hope at Gumbuya World 

Committee for Melbourne member Gumbuya World has teamed up with My Room Children’s Cancer Charity and a host of stars to bring joy to young cancer patients and their families.

Every year, more than one thousand Australian children are diagnosed with childhood cancer, making it the leading cause of death among children, with three losing their lives each week.

While survival rates have risen to approximately 84 per cent, there remains a significant number of children each year for whom cure is elusive, especially in cases of specific types like hepatic tumours and brain cancers where survival rates have seen minimal improvement.

A dozen Melbourne stars and sports personalities came together with ‘tiny titans’ between the ages of three and 18 for a day of fun, laughter and thrills at Gumbuya World Theme Park.

The Stars Align for My Room saw Western Bulldogs players Cody Weightman, Rory Lobb and Anthony Scott, Geelong AFLW stars Georgie Rankin and Nina Morrison, Aussie Diamonds Jo Weston and Kate Moloney, Olympians Caitlin Parker (Boxing – Bronze) and Sam Williamson (swimming), The Block’s Ricky and Hadyn and more come out to play.

Laylah’s story

Five-year-old Laylah was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in August 2023.

Just days before her diagnosis, Laylah’s parents noticed she was unusually tired, pale, and not herself. What they initially thought was a simple iron deficiency turned into a life-altering journey.

After rushing her to the doctor for blood tests, Laylah’s results showed low white blood cells and abnormalities, leading to an urgent trip to the emergency department.

Since her diagnosis, Laylah has been undergoing intense chemotherapy, blood and platelet transfusions, and taking steroids. She’s had to isolate to stay safe from germs and endure the physical and emotional toll of her treatments.

“We’re so grateful to Gumbuya World and My Room for the opportunity,” Laylah’s mum Jess said.

Gumbuya partnership

My Room Children’s Cancer Charity is a volunteer-led charity founded by families for families funding crucial financial support for families, medical equipment, clinical care, research and trials

Gumbuya World partnered with My Room Children’s Cancer Charity to provide respite to patients and families battling childhood cancer. This partnership will provide patients, siblings a break from treatment and the impacts of a childhood cancer diagnosis.

Gumbuya World is the only amusement park in Victoria that encompasses a wildlife park, rollercoasters and a water park. A 50-minute drive from the Melbourne CBD, Gumbuya World’s summer program is launching and offers something for families, organisations and corporate clients.