A truly memorable event this morning at the unveiling of the  Sony Foundation You Can Centre at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse

This state of the art centre will provide first class apartment style accommodation at no cost for families of the 15-25 year olds (Adolescent Young Adults AYA’s) living with a cancer diagnosis, who are forced to travel to facilitate treatment.

It is estimated upwards of 25% of this group will be sarcoma patients.

The omnipresent and commanding image of Chris O’Brien watched over proceedings which began with the poignant and magnificently chosen words of Gail O’Brien AM, followed by a flawless speech by Sony Foundation CEO, Sophie Ryan; the Premier of NSW Dominic Perrottet and the Hon Brad Hazzard both spoke without hint of an impending election, but instead from the heart; while host Peter Overton, forever the consummate professional, shared his deeply personal connection with this critical project.

The star of the event however was nineteen year old osteosarcoma survivor Elliot Prasad who delivered the heartfelt words that could only come from those who have walked this road. Elliot held the room in the palm of his hand – sharing his experience whilst undergoing treatment at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and articulating the importance of the You Can Centre to those walking this road behind him.

Our heartiest congratulations to all involved.

An enormous step forward for those young people living with a cancer diagnosis.