Canterbury rugby league player Jacob Kiraz has been actively involved in supporting children undergoing cancer treatment during his off-season. As an ambassador for the Kids with Cancer Foundation, Kiraz recently participated in the delivery of the organisation’s 30,000th care pack at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
Kiraz, who joined the foundation in 2023, was motivated to become involved through his personal experience with his younger brother, Joseph, who was diagnosed with leukaemia. Since taking on the ambassador role, he has contributed by volunteering during packing sessions at the foundation’s Castle Hill office, visiting young patients and their families in hospitals, and helping create memorable experiences at special National Rugby League events.
The care packs provided by the foundation contain an assortment of hospital-approved snacks, activity and puzzle books, small toys designed to offer distraction, and cards featuring handwritten messages of support. Kiraz highlighted the positive impact these packs have on children facing challenging hospital stays, noting the joy they bring to patients when the care pack trolley arrives and the excitement as children open their boxes.
“It’s incredible to watch the kids’ eyes light up,” Kiraz said, reflecting on his involvement. “Delivering the 30,000th care pack was such an honour.”
The Kids with Cancer Foundation aims to offer comfort and support to children experiencing cancer treatment through initiatives like these care packs, which provide therapeutic distraction and encouragement during difficult times.