Sony Foundation Australia Wharf4Ward 2025: All the stars spotted at Sydney’s longest lunch including Ronan Keating, Karl Stefanovic, Jules Robinson and more | In photos

Peter Overton spoke with 21-year-old Grace Kennedy from Shellharbour, who received a shock diagnosis of a rare paediatric brain cancer requiring her to relocate to Sydney for more than six months of invasive treatment.

“Luckily someone at Wollongong Hospital knew of a doctor in Sydney that had treated children with this rare cancer,” Kennedy said.

“I felt the most secure having all my treatment in Sydney, where there was a team that understood my type of cancer.

“But this meant having to travel more than four hours each day for radiotherapy and being alone in a hospital bed far away from home.

“My family was committed to getting me the best treatment, but the price of petrol alone would be far beyond what we could afford.

“This is when we were told about Sony Foundation’s You Can Stay program. We couldn’t believe it. A bright light had appeared through all the darkness ahead.”

Kennedy has been provided more than 200 nights of free accommodation to date, at no cost to herself or her family, thanks to the You Can Stay program.

“The support of You Can Stay is why I stand before you today. It created a safe and secure environment away from the hospital,” she continued.

“It meant my mum was able to be with me each day. Through every needle, infection, and unknown, I had my family and friends close.”