Members and coaches from the Boxing Cartel are trading their boxing gloves for running shoes, committing to a 24-hour continuous run to raise vital funds for 12-year-old Merbein resident Michele Dichiera.
The event, set to kick off from 6pm on Saturday 20 June at the Mildura Sporting Precinct (MSP), will see the Mildura-based boxing gym united in support of Michele, who is facing an extraordinarily rare and aggressive medical condition.
Michele, who is the son of Sunraysia Residential Services Inc. (SRS) Gardening Maintenance Coordinator Robert, was born with a giant cell angioblastoma in his right foot – an extremely rare, aggressive tumour that occurs in the soft tissue of children.
All current treatments are proving ineffective, with two options – a trial medication called ‘Cabozantinib’, or, as a final resort, amputate Michele’s foot.
Cabozantinib is not currently available to treat giant cell angioblastoma under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, meaning the Dichiera’s are facing monthly bills of $7,500 (for a child’s dose) to utilise the drug in a last-ditch attempt to save Michele’s foot.
At this stage, Michele’s specialists are committing to trialling the medication for a six-month period to determine its effectiveness. They’re working with the Royal Children’s Hospital to potentially fund the first three months of treatment, with a hope to implement a cost-sharing arrangement from that point onwards.
Should the medication work as intended, Michele could be on the medication for anywhere between two to three years to clear up the tumour.
The Boxing Cartel, inspired by Michele’s story, and known for its strong focus on community, connection, and wellbeing, have stepped up to support the cause, with Director Nick Wakefield encouraging the community to get involved, show support and help ease the financial burden on Michele’s family.
“After hearing and reading about Michele’s story, I really felt like the Boxing Cartel could help do something meaningful to support his family,” he said.
“Our goal is simple – raise as much money and awareness as possible for Michele and his family through sponsorships, donations and community support.
“We’re up for the fight and challenge – just like Michele is, and we’re calling on local businesses and the wider community to get behind the event and make a difference.”
Michele’s mum, Raschelle, said the family had been “blown away” by the support already shown for Michele.
“It’s been overwhelming and amazing all at once,” she said. “No one likes asking for help, and we just feel very blessed by the support we’ve received and the well-wishes.
“We can’t thank SRS, the Boxing Cartel and everyone who has reached out or donated for their support.”
SRS has so far raised more than $8000 to assist Michele and his family, with donations coming in from right across the country.
Michele’s local soccer club, Mildura City, CHALLIS, local business Module Dezines, family members and SuniKids Dream have also offered support, hosting their own fund-raisers to support the family.
Community members are encouraged to attend throughout the 24-hour run, which will finish at 6pm on Sunday 21 June, cheer runners on as they complete laps of the MSP oval, and contribute however they can – whether through donations, sharing Michele’s story, or simply showing up in support.
To learn more about Michele’s journey, visit www.srsinc.com.au/micheles-ready-for-fight-of-lifetime
To donate and support the cause, visit https://tr.ee/Michele
With every step taken over 24 hours, the Boxing Cartel hopes to bring Michele one step closer to the treatment he needs to potentially save his foot.
Media Contact:
Vinnie Rodi – Marketing and Events Coordinator
Phone: 0439 364 781
Email: [email protected]