Thank you for taking a look at the Ponting Foundation website and finding out about why the Ponting Foundation was formed and the fantastic work that has already been achieved as well as plans for the future.
In 2002 a good friend at the Children’s Cancer Institute Australia (CCIA) invited us to visit the Sydney Children’s Hospital to meet with some of the many children and their families in the oncology ward. Listening to each family’s story was one of the most emotional experiences of our lives. We were deeply saddened by the stories we heard but at the same time overwhelmed by the commitment of the families, doctors and nurses to help these children fight the biggest battle of their young lives.
Following our visit, we sat outside the Children’s Hospital and with tears in our eyes made a commitment to one another to do everything possible to improve the lives of young Australians with cancer and their families.
We then worked as ambassadors of the CCIA helping to raise money to fund research into Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, the most common cancer in children. It was through our work with the CCIA that we realised we were in a unique position to make a real difference. After very careful consideration, we decided to establish the Ponting Foundation with the aim of raising substantial money for the benefit of young Australians with cancer and their families.
We have been overwhelmed by the support we have already received and amazed at the goodwill shown to the Foundation by individuals and companies. It gives us great hope that together we can make a significant difference.
Thank you again for your interest in the Ponting Foundation.
With our best wishes
Ricky and Rianna
