Australian Youth Against Cancer was founded by Chris Boyd following his own personal experience with a rare form of head and neck cancer in 2009. Throughout his short time receiving treatment at Sydney's RPA hospital, Chris observed the distinct lack of support available for young adult cancer sufferers and set about to create an organisation which created awareness and practical solutions to this problem.
AYAC’s connection with youth is an important
aspect of our charity. Cancer is not a disease that just affects older
Australians. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare article
Young Australians: Their Health & Wellbeing 2007 reported that
between 1993 and 2002, the annual cancer incidence rate increased by 10
per cent in the 12-24 year old category.
AYAC has since grown into an exciting and dynamic fundraising engine for lifesaving national cancer treatment and research projects. In 2010/11 AYAC has been proud to support the remarkable work being undertaken in pursuit of the vision of the late Professor Chris O'Brien - The Chris O'Brien Lifehouse at RPA.
Lifehouse will be a world-class comprehensive cancer centre, bringing together treatment, research, education and support in one incredible new facility.
The AYAC Murray River Appeal
In December 2010, AYAC launched it's inaugural national fundraising campaign 'The AYAC Murray River Appeal'. For two months and 2,600km Ian Bacon and Chris Boyd kayaked the length of Australia's longest river and were successful in raising over $50 000 for the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse. Chris and Ian were supported by the incredible volunteer Murray River support team who were abundantly successful in staging fundraising and awareness events in countless towns along the river.
AYAC is supported by the Foundation for Young Australians 'Young Social Pioneers Program' and the University of Technology Sydney.
