Perth Students Transform into Superheroes to Support Childhood Cancer Families
In an inspiring display of community spirit, students at Hillcrest Primary School in Perth are preparing to trade their standard school uniforms for vibrant superhero costumes next month. The annual Hero Hunter Day, scheduled for April 1, serves as both a fundraiser and a heartfelt tribute to former student Hunter Madden, whose courageous battle with cancer continues to inspire his school community years after his passing.
The Legacy of Hunter Madden
Hunter Madden was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at just three years old and fought the disease valiantly for five years before passing away in September 2021 at age eight. His mother, Kate Bettenay, established the Hero Hunter Foundation in 2022 to provide practical support to families navigating the immense challenges of childhood cancer diagnoses.
"He lived more in his eight years of life than most people do in 80," Ms Bettenay reflected about her son. "He grabbed life by the balls, as we say, and he lived it to the fullest."
Comprehensive Support for Families
The Hero Hunter Foundation addresses the practical needs that often overwhelm families during cancer treatment. Their comprehensive support system includes:
- Healthy meal programs delivered directly to hospital cancer wards
- Fuel vouchers for transportation to and from medical appointments
- Hospital parking fee coverage (which can reach $27 daily)
- Professional cleaning services, including deep cleans for immunocompromised children returning home
- Respite days to give caregivers temporary relief
"We really look after the home front," Ms Bettenay explained. "I really look at it like we're a village so that parents can be in the best possible space to then look after their kids."
Remarkable Impact and Community Connection
The foundation's work has already created substantial change across Western Australia. During the 2024-25 financial year alone, the organization distributed 315 fuel, food, and Uber vouchers valued at over $36,000 and provided more than $250,000 in services and in-kind support to families statewide.
At Hillcrest Primary School, Hunter's memory remains vividly alive. Principal Liz Ford described him as "a very nice, well-known student who was friendly to everyone" with "a really good sense of humour, almost like an adult's sense of humour."
The school honors Hunter through a specially placed "buddy bench" overlooking the oval where students can sit when they need companionship, alongside a memorial tree planted in his honor.
Student-Led Initiative Gains Momentum
This year's Hero Hunter Day features an extraordinary student-led component. Eight-year-old Cormac Kelly initiated a "chop challenge" that will see him and four classmates—William, Lila, Jobe, and Cora—shave their heads during the event. Cormac will donate his hair to Wigs4Kids while fundraising for the Hero Hunter Foundation.
"It makes me feel really special to be able to help kids who have lost their hair during cancer treatment," Cormac shared. "I know that getting a wig will be a very emotional and happy moment for them. And I'm so happy my friends are joining me in this so even more kids can feel special."
Principal Ford emphasized how this initiative reflects the school's strong community values and enduring connection to Hunter's family: "Hunter died of a horrible, horrible disease, and we think whatever we can do together to support the kids and to support the families."
A Mother's Hope for Her Son's Legacy
For Kate Bettenay, witnessing Hunter's legacy continue through these community efforts is profoundly meaningful. "I'm going to shout his name from the rooftops, he's going be known and change the world," she declared. "I know that he's helping these families out with things that we wished we had."
The superhero dress-up day represents more than just a fundraiser—it embodies how one young boy's spirit continues to mobilize an entire community toward compassion and practical support for families facing childhood cancer's immense challenges.
