March for Tate raises funds in loving memory

On a rainy autumn day in early March, visitors to Melbourne’s inner north might have been surprised to find over 100 passionate walkers donned in white t-shirts and colourful umbrellas taking over the streets. This vibrant phenomenon was the 15km March for Tate; and the participants all supporters of the Tate Scarce Fund, who all know the importance of rallying together for a worthy cause, and this walk was no exception.

The Tate Scarce Fund was created by parents Jo and Dean Scarce and their sons Riley and Cadyn, in loving memory of their son and brother, Tate, who was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood cancer known as Desmoplastic Small Cell Round Tumour (DSCRT). Tate was only the fifth child in Australia to ever be diagnosed with this uncommon form of cancer and lost his battle at just 12 years old in 2016. From his first day of diagnosis, Tate spent an incredible amount of time at The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH), undergoing two major surgeries and participating in Australia-first clinician trials for ground-breaking paediatric cancer treatments.

“The treatment we received at RCH was second to none, we encountered so many amazing oncologists, surgeons, specialists and nurses. We couldn’t be more grateful for the care and support that we received,” said mum Jo.

Inspired by the incredible care Tate received, the family are committed to supporting children like him. As RCH Champions, the family members and friends who make up the powerful Tate Scarce Fund are always looking for ways to support and raise awareness of the RCH, with Me and UooUoo: The RCH150 Anniversary Art Trail providing a unique opportunity.

Launching in January, the art trail combined Victoria’s renowned passion for the arts and culture with a dash of outdoor adventure, encouraging communities to reconnect with their cities, and be active by visiting one hundred UooUoo (pronounced you-you) sculptures until April 2021. The art trail brought colour and creativity to the streets, laneways and public spaces of Melbourne and Geelong and provided those both young and young at heart the opportunity to celebrate and raise funds in support of the 150th milestone of paediatric healthcare at the RCH.

Tate will always be remembered for his vibrant personality and love for the colour pink, and with this in mind, The Scarce family immediately fell in love with the UooUoo ‘One sees well only with the heart’ designed by Vanessa Bong. This beautifully designed sculpture was inspired by a quote from the book The Little Prince: “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” and speaks to the playfulness and joys of childhood, whilst also conveying the internal joy that we feel when we love others. Vanessa’s illustrations and designs are often observations of the world around her and bring a sense of wonder, as highlighted in the bright colours, floral motifs and flying birds featured across ‘One sees well only with the heart’.

With the mission of raising $25,000 to both sponsor and purchase the UooUoo, the 15km March for Tate was established. Undeterred by the weather, supporters donned UooUoo t-shirts and ventured from Southbank where their sculpture was located, to the Anglers Tavern in Moonee Ponds. The group have currently raised over $57,000 which not only allowed them to purchase the sculpture as a lasting memory for Tate, but the additional funds will support research into rare childhood cancers.

Inspired by this incredible endeavour, and commitment to continuing Tate’s legacy, friends of the Scarce Family also purchased Manda Lane’s UooUoo ‘Flora and Fauna’ which will be located in their Echuca backyard, where Tate happily spent much time on family holidays.

The RCH Foundation is incredibly thankful to the Scarce family for sharing their story and supporting the work of the RCH. To learn more about the Tate Scarce Fund and donate, please visit https://www.mycause.com.au/page/241370/tate-scarce-fund