A Night of Community, Courage and Hope
September 19, 2026
Share This Post :
More than 300 people come together for kids with cancer at the fifth Gold Ribbon Ball
The 2026 Gold Ribbon Ball brought together more than 300 people for an incredibly special evening of awareness, connection and support for kids with cancer and their families.
Families, friends, supporters, clinicians, businesses and people who simply care – all in one room, all there for the same reason.
And together, the Gold Ribbon Ball community raised more than $35,000 to support kids with cancer and their families.
In honour of William
Now in its fifth year, the Gold Ribbon Ball has grown into a powerful night for the childhood cancer community.
The event was created by Danielle, Sophie and Harrison in honour of their little guy, William. It is held each September to mark Gold Ribbon Month – the international month of Childhood Cancer Awareness.
William was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at just six years old. After two years of treatment, William sadly passed away.
Danielle has continued to honour William’s memory and legacy by raising awareness of childhood cancer and helping other kids and families going through treatment. Danielle also serves on the Kids with Cancer Foundation Board as a Non-Executive Director.
The Gold Ribbon Ball is one of the most meaningful ways William’s legacy lives on – a night that brings people together with a shared commitment to stand beside families navigating childhood cancer.
Ollie’s family takes the stage
One of the most powerful moments of the evening came from Ollie’s family, who courageously shared their experience of childhood cancer.
After attending the Gold Ribbon Ball for four years, this was the first time they were the family standing on stage.
The room was completely still as they spoke. Their words brought the reality of the childhood cancer journey into the room, and were a moving reminder of why continued support for children and families matters so much.
Reflecting on the night, Ollie’s family shared:
There was something incredibly moving about sharing Ollie’s story in a room filled with people who genuinely care. People who understand that behind every diagnosis is a child, a family, and a life changed forever. To Danielle and her family, thank you for continuing to create a space that brings people together, honours those we’ve lost, supports those still fighting, and reminds families like ours that they are never alone.
To Ollie and his family – thank you for sharing your story so openly and courageously. Your words brought home exactly why nights like this matter.
A community that keeps showing up
Every year, the Gold Ribbon Ball room fills with kindness, generosity, hope, laughter and tears – and a community that shows up for families when they need it most.
We were incredibly grateful to be joined by Kids with Cancer Foundation Ambassador Cody Burcher, who is also taking the artwork of ten of our Little Heroes to Bathurst, and former Ambassador and long-time friend of the Foundation Jimmy Vernon.
They were joined by so many of our corporate partners, supporters, families and friends, who showed up so generously on the night.
The evening was beautiful in every sense of the word. A special thank you to Flowers by Jody for the most gorgeous florals, and to 7 Chairs Photography for capturing the memories of the night.
Thank you
To Danielle, Sophie and Harrison – thank you. For five years, you have poured an incredible amount of heart, care and work into creating an evening that brings people together to stand united for kids with cancer and their families.
To everyone who attended, donated, contributed, shared their story or helped bring the evening to life – thank you. It was a privilege for Kids with Cancer Foundation to be part of it.
Every year, more than 1,200 children and young people in Australia are diagnosed with cancer. Nights like the Gold Ribbon Ball remind families that they are never alone, and help us continue making today easier for kids with cancer and their families.
A true Community of Champions, standing united for kids with cancer. 💛🎗️