Sydney Roosters CEO Joe Kelly takes the plunge for children’s cancer

Sydney Roosters CEO Joe Kelly's reasons for taking part in this year's CEO Dare to Cure goes beyond experiencing the near-freezing ice baths his athletes turn to for sports therapy. He is supporting a cause he is passionate about – helping the Children's Cancer Institute end childhood cancer.

Why are you taking part in CEO Dare to Cure this year?
My reason for taking part is two-fold. Firstly, through my Roosters association with Children’s Cancer Institute, I have become aware of the life-changing challenges that families face when their child is diagnosed with cancer. Seeing and hearing these heartbreaking stories has really resonated with me as a parent and, therefore, I feel passionately about the need to support this great cause.

Secondly, our major partner, Steggles – through the Steggles Roosters Charity Nest – has been generously supporting Children’s Cancer Institute, along with a number of other children’s charities, for nearly 10 years now. I thought I should also set an example by personally assisting to raise the much-needed funds that will one day lead to a cure for all children diagnosed with cancer.

"I have become aware of the life-changing challenges that families face when their child is diagnosed with cancer. Seeing and hearing these heartbreaking stories has really resonated with me as a parent."

What dare are you taking on?
Working for a football club and being an avid sports fan, I couldn’t go past the Athlete’s Ice Bath Challenge! I have always admired how our players manage to get into ice baths and cryotherapy chambers with little fuss on a weekly basis, so I thought I should at least experience it once!

Why do you think it’s important to support Children’s Cancer Institute?
Through its research, Children’s Cancer Institute is saving lives and changing lives for the better. The statistics now report that approximately 80% of children diagnosed with cancer are surviving, but we can’t stop until every child is being cured. The Institute has grand plans for expansion of their research capabilities, but these can only be realised by additional resources which need to be funded.

"Through its research, Children’s Cancer Institute is saving lives and changing lives for the better."

What is your personal reason for wanting to support cancer research?
Most, if not all, of us have probably been touched in some way by cancer and, witnessing first-hand the work that is being conducted, it is abundantly clear that Children’s Cancer Institute is achieving outstanding results with the funds raised. I just want to do my little bit to support them.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve taken on, either personally or in business?
Challenges are part of everyday life. Accepting that fact and focusing on what matters is my way of working through them and not being distracted.

Donate to Joe Kelly's fundraising page here.

Are you a CEO or C-suite executive who wants to get involved? Register here. Would you like to donate? Sponsor a CEO here or make a general donation.

Find out why The CEO Magazine‘s CEO Chris Dutton is taking part in this year's CEO Dare to Cure, as well as Broadband Solutions' Founder Sam Bashiry, Black Diamondz Group's Founder and Director Monika Tu and Traffik's CEO James Neale.