Dainere's Rainbow

11/06/2026

Only Two More Days Until the Book Character High Tea

The excitement and anticipation are building as we count down to the Book Character High Tea this Saturday.

As we prepare to gather to raise awareness and vital funds for childhood brain cancer research, in memory of Dainere, we are filled with heartfelt gratitude for the extraordinary individuals whose generosity, talent, and dedication are helping make this special event possible.

We are immensely grateful to Michael Bower, our distinguished and gracious Master of Ceremonies; Kirsty Budding and her wonderfully gifted Budding Entertainment performers, who will bring imagination and magic to life; Alex Carder, whose exquisite piano music will create a beautiful atmosphere throughout the afternoon; Corinne Read of Red Fox Photography, whose creative eye will capture the treasured moments and memories of the day; Deirdre Rose, whose kindness and support are deeply valued; Juliet and the exceptional team at Old Parliament House Events, whose professionalism and generosity have been invaluable; our treasured community partners; our remarkable Dainere's Rainbow Committee, whose tireless efforts have helped bring this event to fruition; and every guest who will join us in support of this important cause.

The afternoon promises to be filled with beautiful music, entertainment, raffles, silent auction treasures, lucky door prizes, friendship, laughter, and many memorable moments.

Most importantly, 100% of all funds raised and donated through Dainere's Rainbow will go directly towards vital childhood brain cancer research projects and programs, helping to write a new chapter of hope for children diagnosed with brain cancer and their families.

Together, we are honouring Dainere's legacy, raising awareness of childhood brain cancer, and helping create a brighter future for children and families facing this devastating disease.

09/06/2026

We feel so extraordinarily humbled, blessed and honoured to have the amazing Corinne from capturing those special images and moments at the Book Character High Tea on Saturday 13th June.

'Red Fox Photography is owned and operated by photographer Corinne Read, whose passion for capturing authentic connections and meaningful moments shines through every image she creates.

Specialising in weddings, families, and events, Corinne is known for her warm, relaxed approach and her ability to make people feel comfortable in front of the camera. Her photography focuses on genuine emotion, natural light, and storytelling. Creating timeless images that families will treasure for generations.

As a proud supporter of local communities, Red Fox Photography is honoured to be involved in events that make a positive difference. Through her lens, Corinne not only captures beautiful photographs but also preserves the memories, connections, and moments that matter most.'


*images provided for use

08/06/2026

Such devastating news. 💔

We have had the honour of meeting this truly extraordinary, humble, selfless and inspiring man. Sending our thoughts, love and care to his beloved family, friends and colleagues.

My fellow Australians,

I pen this letter as a final goodbye to all those I have had the immense privilege of loving, sharing life’s adventures with, working alongside and meeting during what can only be described as a life filled with happiness, optimism, opportunity and passion.

My intention is for this letter to be published upon my passing - as my final farewell.

I cannot thank my beautiful wife Katie and my adored children Emily, Matthew and Lucy enough for their love, their support, their strength, and their compassion. They are shining examples of the best of humanity and make me extremely proud.

To my research and clinical colleagues, I implore you to stay inquisitive and brave and keep striving to break new ground.

To all cancer patients, I encourage you to consider enrolling in research and clinical trials, if on offer.

And to government and the wider community, please keep funding science and medical research. This is the most impactful way that you too can make a difference.

Perhaps the greatest lesson to come from these last three years is that cancer does not define us. It may be the current road we are travelling, but it is not our entire journey.

A terminal cancer diagnosis does however provide clarity as to what truly matters. It shines a spotlight on the importance of relationships, on true friendship and on selflessness.

If my legacy was to continue beyond these words, I would be delighted and humbled to be remembered as a proud everyday Aussie who “gave it a crack”, and in doing so, inspired others to pursue their dreams and passions with humility, love and compassion.

With much love and gratitude,
Richard

07/06/2026

People often see the child with brain cancer and the parents walking beside them, but siblings walk that journey too. We witness the appointments, the treatments, the uncertainty, and the moments that forever change a family. We watch someone we love face unimaginable challenges, knowing there is little we can do except stand beside them, love them, and hope.

As Dainere's older brother, I would have changed places with her in an instant. I would have carried every treatment, every setback and every moment of pain if it meant she could have lived the life she so deserved. It is a helplessness that is difficult to put into words, loving someone so deeply while knowing you cannot take away what they are facing.

Brain cancer does not only affect the child diagnosed; it reshapes the lives of everyone who loves them. Siblings grow up carrying worries, fears and responsibilities far beyond their years, learning lessons about courage, resilience, compassion and loss far too early.

Yet amidst the heartbreak, Dainere taught me that hope can exist even in the darkest moments, that kindness is one of the greatest gifts we can give, and that one life can leave an impact far greater than anyone could imagine.

While I would give anything to have her here today, I am profoundly grateful for the extraordinary legacy she left behind. Her determination, selflessness, compassion and unwavering commitment to helping others continue to shape my life every day. Even in the face of unimaginable challenges, she focused on bringing hope to others. Her kindness and generosity of spirit revealed the true measure of her character.

Being the sibling of a child with brain cancer is a journey that never truly ends. The grief remains. The love remains. And so does the determination to honour their life by working toward a future where more children survive and more families stay whole.

~Jarrett ~

07/06/2026

Many people are unaware of the extraordinary complexity and cost involved in researching and treating paediatric brain tumours. Behind every breakthrough, every clinical advancement, and every treatment plan are countless resources, specialised equipment, medications, and hours of dedicated scientific and medical expertise.

To provide just a small glimpse into what is involved:

🔬 $25 – Supplements required to keep brain cancer cells growing in laboratory cultures for research.

🧬 $50 – Imaging tumour growth across 10 laboratory brain tumour models.

💊 $100 – Evaluating the effectiveness of potential new drugs by assessing their ability to destroy brain tumour cells.

📏 $500 – An electric stadiometer, used at a child's bedside to accurately measure height, ensuring chemotherapy doses can be safely and precisely calculated.

💛 $1,000 – Contributes towards the cost of oncology medications, many of which are not specifically approved for paediatric use and may not be covered under government pharmaceutical schemes.

These figures represent only a fraction of what is required. They serve as a powerful reminder that progress against childhood brain cancer depends upon sophisticated research, specialised treatment, and an unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for children and their families.

04/06/2026

Today I celebrate my 31st birthday, yet it is another birthday without Dainere by my side.

Since my last birthday, I have been fortunate to experience many opportunities, achievements and special moments. Each one also serves as a poignant reminder that there are countless milestones, dreams and experiences that Dainere was never given the chance to continue or experience for the first time.

As I reflect on this day, I ask for your support in helping to fulfil her greatest wish in life — finding a cure for the insidious and cruel disease that stole her life and continues to devastate children and families across Australia.

In honour of my birthday and in memory of Dainere, please consider making a birthday-themed donation of $3.10 or $31 to my City2Surf fundraising page.

Every contribution, no matter the amount, helps support vital childhood brain cancer research and brings hope to children and families facing a diagnosis that no family should ever have to endure.

I remain profoundly, sincerely and humbly grateful for your kindness, generosity and meaningful support.

Link in the comments and on the Dainere's Rainbow website.
https://city2surf26.grassrootz.com/schf/jarrett-anthoney

03/06/2026

The week has now reached its gentle midpoint, and we wish to share one of Dainere’s profoundly meaningful words to softly lift your spirits.

"Wishing you a truly splendiferous rest of the week. Stay warm, and remember that even when the world outside feels cold and still, you carry within you the quiet and remarkable ability to warm another heart through something as simple, as gentle, and as powerful as a kind smile".

02/06/2026

This time in 2013, Dainere was no longer able to write her beloved blog.

Reading the updates from that time remains as heartbreaking today as it was then and serves as a stark reminder of the devastating reality of childhood brain cancer.

"Again this week she has not been able to attend school. She is sleeping for roughly 75% of the day, she is experiencing dreadful swallowing issues, incontinence, pressure sores and is terribly off balance. She is such a fighter though and despite such cruel adversity is still able to smile that gorgeous smile of hers that magically lights up the room."

Take a moment to truly absorb those words.

This was not an elderly person at the end of a long life.

This was a fifteen-year-old girl.

A bright, intelligent, compassionate and extraordinary young girl whose future should have been filled with dreams, opportunities and endless possibilities.

Instead, one of the cruellest diseases imaginable was steadily taking more and more from her.

Yet even as childhood brain cancer relentlessly attacked her body, it could not take her courage. It could not take her kindness. It could not take her determination to help others. And it could not take away the smile that continued to light up every room.

Today, Dainere's voice lives on through Dainere's Rainbow and the awareness, advocacy and research her legacy continues to inspire.

If Dainere's story has touched you, please help us reach more people. Follow Dainere's Rainbow, share this post, and subscribe to our monthly newsletter via the link in our bio. Every new follower, every share and every subscriber helps us raise vital awareness of childhood brain cancer and continue the mission that meant so much to Dainere.

Together, we can help create a future where more children survive and every child has the opportunity to live the long, healthy and happy life they deserve.

01/06/2026

The Final Chapter Awaits

Today is the last day to book and pay for the Dainere’s Rainbow Book Character High Tea.

Step through a storybook afternoon where beloved characters come to life, laughter fills the room, and every table holds a touch of magic woven together with hope.

This is more than an event. It is a gathering of hearts, created in love, and shared in support of children impacted by brain cancer.

When today’s story ends, the book closes on bookings.

If you were hoping to come along, this is your moment.

Secure your place in the story while there is still time - Visit the Dainere's Rainbow Website for all the information.

31/05/2026

Today is the last day of Brain Cancer/Tumour Awareness Month. We wanted to express our gratitude to all those who shared information throughout the month about paediatric brain cancer/tumours, to those who showed their support by wearing grey or making a donation.

Just because Brain Cancer/Tumour Awareness Month is almost over, it is still essential to continue to raise awareness 365 days a year, as children are each day being diagnosed, are fighting brain cancer, the treatments and effects and tragically so many are losing their lives.

These are Dainere's words, she was continually determined, dedicated and extremely selfless in her passionate and tireless efforts to make a difference, we hope that many in the Community will follow her advocacy and work to see the eradication of childhood brain cancer.

"My life goal is to do as much as I can to make a difference. A cure will not be found in my lifetime but my wish is that others will continue my lead to ensure that no children in the future will have to suffer as many others and myself have had to.

In a world where there is so much advancement, my heart breaks to know that there is no screening tests for early detection for a brain tumour, there are very few advancements in treatments, the treatments themselves are harsh and cause life long cruel side effects, funding is minimal for the impact of this disease and there is no cure. This is just so very wrong".

*Photograph credit to the amazing Luke Arms