This collection of stories represents just a fraction of the incredible impact Telethon funding has had on thousands of children throughout Western Australia.
They offer a glimpse into the significant difference your generosity and support have made. Thank you.
This collection of stories represents just a fraction of the incredible impact Telethon funding has had on thousands of children throughout Western Australia.
They offer a glimpse into the significant difference your generosity and support have made. Thank you.
Lionheart
Camp for Kids
| Emily lost her mum and best friend, but she hasn’t had to grieve alone. |
Superfins
| Ben has been swimming, and thriving, with Superfins for five years. |
Telethon
Research Fellowship
| Ryan's quality of life improved significantly thanks to the RESP-ACT study. |
Lionheart
Camp for Kids
Emily lost her mum and best friend, but she hasn’t had to grieve alone.
Superfins
Ben has been swimming, and thriving, with Superfins for five years.
Telethon
Research Fellowship
Ryan's quality of life improved significantly thanks to the RESP-ACT study.
Shining a light on the beneficiaries that call Perth Children’s Hospital home
A hospital visit can be daunting, especially for children. But inside Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH), there are incredible Telethon beneficiaries bringing hope and happiness to Western Australia’s youngest patients and their families.
For eight-year-old Lola, PCH became a second home. During her battle with cancer and intense treatment, The Humour Foundation Clown Doctors brought laughter where it was unexpected, yet most needed. Lola’s mum, Lisa, said: “They light up every room. I have seen it on my daughter’s face and felt the pure love, kindness and happiness that they bring into what is every parent’s worst nightmare.”
Read more
Children diagnosed with cancer and their siblings experience high levels of distress and trauma. It impacts virtually every aspect of a family’s life. Redkite provides vital counselling and support services to children, at no cost to families – improving mental health, wellbeing and quality of life in hospital and on return home. Courtney’s life was shattered when her 18-month-old daughter Kenley was diagnosed with leukaemia. Kids Cancer Support Group has been there throughout the journey. “This charity has been there to support us through our darkest days, helping to create moments of normality in a world where nothing feels normal,” Courtney said.
But it’s not just on the oncology ward. Throughout the entire hospital there are organisations spreading kindness and smiles to those who need it most. Starlight Foundation’s Captain Starlight brings the power of fun and laughter, helping sick kids feel happier, more confident and better able to cope. Radio Lollipop’s volunteers provide music and entertainment across the wards, and Kiind gives WA children with disability and their families practical guidance and emotional support. Rare Care Centre medical director, Dr Gareth Baynem, said: “Kiind’s Hospital Support Program is invaluable, addressing the unmet needs of WA families raising children with disability.”
Medical professionals appreciate and value the positive impact these organisations have on sick kids and their families. At one-week-old, Olivia went into cardiac arrest. It was later confirmed to be a heart defect, the first diagnosis of many. Her mum, Jacinta, said: “HeartKids has been our support since the beginning.” PCH head of cardiology, Dr Stephen Shipton, said: “HeartKids remain invaluable allies in our management of children with heart disease as well as their families and the communities in which they live.” Telethon is proud to serve as a lifeline for its many beneficiaries which call Perth Children’s Hospital home, where every organisation, and every individual, is dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of WA children.
Shining a light on the beneficiaries that call Perth Children’s Hospital home
A hospital visit can be daunting, especially for children. But inside Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH), there are incredible Telethon beneficiaries bringing hope and happiness to Western Australia’s youngest patients and their families.
For eight-year-old Lola, PCH became a second home. During her battle with cancer and intense treatment, The Humour Foundation Clown Doctors brought laughter where it was unexpected, yet most needed. Lola’s mum, Lisa, said: “They light up every room. I have seen it on my daughter’s face and felt the pure love, kindness and happiness that they bring into what is every parent’s worst nightmare.”
Read more
Children diagnosed with cancer and their siblings experience high levels of distress and trauma. It impacts virtually every aspect of a family’s life. Redkite provides vital counselling and support services to children, at no cost to families – improving mental health, wellbeing and quality of life in hospital and on return home. Courtney’s life was shattered when her 18-month-old daughter Kenley was diagnosed with leukaemia. Kids Cancer Support Group has been there throughout the journey. “This charity has been there to support us through our darkest days, helping to create moments of normality in a world where nothing feels normal,” Courtney said.
But it’s not just on the oncology ward. Throughout the entire hospital there are organisations spreading kindness and smiles to those who need it most. Starlight Foundation’s Captain Starlight brings the power of fun and laughter, helping sick kids feel happier, more confident and better able to cope. Radio Lollipop’s volunteers provide music and entertainment across the wards, and Kiind gives WA children with disability and their families practical guidance and emotional support. Rare Care Centre medical director, Dr Gareth Baynem, said: “Kiind’s Hospital Support Program is invaluable, addressing the unmet needs of WA families raising children with disability.”
Medical professionals appreciate and value the positive impact these organisations have on sick kids and their families. At one-week-old, Olivia went into cardiac arrest. It was later confirmed to be a heart defect, the first diagnosis of many. Her mum, Jacinta, said: “HeartKids has been our support since the beginning.” PCH head of cardiology, Dr Stephen Shipton, said: “HeartKids remain invaluable allies in our management of children with heart disease as well as their families and the communities in which they live.” Telethon is proud to serve as a lifeline for its many beneficiaries which call Perth Children’s Hospital home, where every organisation, and every individual, is dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of WA children.
Hannah's House
| Hannah’s House gives families with children facing life-limiting conditions a precious opportunity for a little bit of normal. |
Starkick
| All children are given the opportunity to play sport and be part of a community with Starkick. |
Healthy Strides
| Palmer has the chance to shine thanks to the Healthy Strides Foundation. |
Hannah's House
Hannah’s House gives families with children facing life-limiting conditions a precious opportunity for a little bit of norma
Starkick
All children are given the opportunity to play sport and be part of a community with Starkick.
Healthy Strides
Palmer has the chance to shine thanks to the Healthy Strides Foundation.
Kids Cancer
Support Group
Three mothers share their isolating and terrifying journey of their child’s cancer diagnosis.
Image: Transplant recipients Jayden and Lorelei.
Image: Transplant recipients Jayden and Lorelei.
Two life-saving
journeys for
one family
| Having one child with a rare condition is challenging, but when a family receives a diagnosis for their second child, that wave of fear comes crashing back, now knowing the road that lies ahead. |
Find out more
Alannah and Bryson are the parents of two children born with a metabolic condition affecting their livers. While their journeys have been different, both have required life-saving transplants. Their oldest son, Jayden, faced seizures and a self-induced coma at just two days old due to toxic ammonia levels. Alannah and Bryson were given the choice to take Jayden home for the first and last time or attempt a treatment of dialysis. Jayden defied expectations and underwent a liver transplant at just seven months old.
Eleven years later, Alannah relived the emotional turmoil when her baby girl, Lorelei, showed symptoms of the same genetic condition. At 10 months, Lorelei went into acute liver failure, requiring a living transplant a year later. As a new Telethon beneficiary, Transplant Australia supports Western Australian paediatric transplant recipients and their families. “Through camps, transplant games, and regular catch ups with families that have been through the same journey, our family no longer feels alone,” Alannah said. Thanks to Telethon, Transplant Australia can deliver a crucial program that champions better health outcomes for WA children who have undergone life-saving transplants and their families.
Image: Baby Alecia in ICU.
Image: Baby Alecia in ICU.
Nurturing WA
families and their
miracle babies
| Having a premature or sick baby is an overwhelming and sometimes traumatic experience that can impact an entire family unit. Babies can spend weeks or months in hospital and the journey doesn’t end when their baby is discharged. |
Find out more
The emotional weight is often all-consuming for many parents. Born 12 weeks early, baby Alecia spent the first 60 days of her life in the neonatal intensive care unit. For parents Caitlyn and Wade, those first days were incredibly stressful. Fortunately, the Miracle Babies Foundation was there to provide them with much-needed support, guidance and education.
Caitlyn said: “I was fortunate to have a visit from Miracle Babies when I was struggling the most. It helped so much having someone who had been through similar events to talk to and share stories to know we weren’t alone.” Alecia’s journey was not without its challenges. During a routine head scan, an abnormality was found in her brain and by seven months of age, Alecia was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
With support from Miracle Babies, Caitlyn and Wade were able to prepare and had already organised early intervention to help Alecia reach her milestones. “This journey has not been possible for us without the love, support and guidance of the most amazing volunteers,” said Caitlyn. Telethon funding enables Miracle Babies to support WA families of premature and sick babies, providing hope, guidance and connections to others who have walked in their shoes.
Image: Groundbreaking research into dementia at Murdoch University helps children like Dariya.
Image: Groundbreaking research into dementia at Murdoch University helps children like Dariya.
Cutting-edge
research into
childhood dementia
| Dementia is a devastating condition often associated with the elderly. However, it can also strike the very young. In Australia, an estimated 2,300 children are living with dementia, which is caused by more than 100 genetic conditions. |
Find out more
Children living with dementia have the same symptoms as adults. Over months or years, they progressively lose memories, skills and abilities. Tragically, most do not reach adulthood. Telethon funding will enable groundbreaking research involving Perth families at Murdoch University, which aims to pave the way for new approaches to treating and caring for children with dementia.
This world-first research aims to test leading drug candidates to determine their potential as a treatment for childhood dementia. After starting to show symptoms around her second birthday, Dariya was diagnosed with Sanfilippo syndrome at the age of six.
This is a rare and terminal genetic metabolism disorder that doesn’t show any signs at birth. As the disease progresses, children slowly lose their ability to speak, walk and eat. Dariya’s parents, Emad and Deeman, said that her diagnosis has impacted the whole family. “The hardest part is seeing our child suffering and not being able to help. Walking was her favourite activity, but now she cannot stand on her own two feet.”
With Telethon’s support, Murdoch University can conduct cutting-edge research into childhood dementia, which can potentially change lives and spare families from heartbreak in the future.
Image: Transplant recipients Jayden and Lorelei.
Image: Transplant recipients Jayden and Lorelei.
Two life-saving
journeys for
one family
Having one child with a rare condition is challenging, but when a family receives a diagnosis for their second child, that wave of fear comes crashing back, now knowing the road that lies ahead.
Find out more
Alannah and Bryson are the parents of two children born with a metabolic condition affecting their livers. While their journeys have been different, both have required life-saving transplants. Their oldest son, Jayden, faced seizures and a self-induced coma at just two days old due to toxic ammonia levels. Alannah and Bryson were given the choice to take Jayden home for the first and last time or attempt a treatment of dialysis. Jayden defied expectations and underwent a liver transplant at just seven months old.
Eleven years later, Alannah relived the emotional turmoil when her baby girl, Lorelei, showed symptoms of the same genetic condition. At 10 months, Lorelei went into acute liver failure, requiring a living transplant a year later. As a new Telethon beneficiary, Transplant Australia supports Western Australian paediatric transplant recipients and their families. “Through camps, transplant games, and regular catch ups with families that have been through the same journey, our family no longer feels alone,” Alannah said. Thanks to Telethon, Transplant Australia can deliver a crucial program that champions better health outcomes for WA children who have undergone life-saving transplants and their families.
Image: Baby Alecia in ICU.
Image: Baby Alecia in ICU.
Nurturing WA
families and their
miracle babies
Having a premature or sick baby is an overwhelming and sometimes traumatic experience that can impact an entire family unit. Babies can spend weeks or months in hospital and the journey doesn’t end when their baby is discharged.
Find out more
The emotional weight is often all-consuming for many parents. Born 12 weeks early, baby Alecia spent the first 60 days of her life in the neonatal intensive care unit. For parents Caitlyn and Wade, those first days were incredibly stressful. Fortunately, the Miracle Babies Foundation was there to provide them with much-needed support, guidance and education.
Caitlyn said: “I was fortunate to have a visit from Miracle Babies when I was struggling the most. It helped so much having someone who had been through similar events to talk to and share stories to know we weren’t alone.” Alecia’s journey was not without its challenges. During a routine head scan, an abnormality was found in her brain and by seven months of age, Alecia was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
With support from Miracle Babies, Caitlyn and Wade were able to prepare and had already organised early intervention to help Alecia reach her milestones. “This journey has not been possible for us without the love, support and guidance of the most amazing volunteers,” said Caitlyn. Telethon funding enables Miracle Babies to support WA families of premature and sick babies, providing hope, guidance and connections to others who have walked in their shoes.
Image: Groundbreaking research into dementia at Murdoch University helps children like Dariya.
Image: Groundbreaking research into dementia at Murdoch University helps children like Dariya.
Cutting-edge
research into
childhood dementia
Dementia is a devastating condition often associated with the elderly. However, it can also strike the very young. In Australia, an estimated 2,300 children are living with dementia, which is caused by more than 100 genetic conditions.
Find out more
Children living with dementia have the same symptoms as adults. Over months or years, they progressively lose memories, skills and abilities. Tragically, most do not reach adulthood. Telethon funding will enable groundbreaking research involving Perth families at Murdoch University, which aims to pave the way for new approaches to treating and caring for children with dementia.
This world-first research aims to test leading drug candidates to determine their potential as a treatment for childhood dementia. After starting to show symptoms around her second birthday, Dariya was diagnosed with Sanfilippo syndrome at the age of six.
This is a rare and terminal genetic metabolism disorder that doesn’t show any signs at birth. As the disease progresses, children slowly lose their ability to speak, walk and eat. Dariya’s parents, Emad and Deeman, said that her diagnosis has impacted the whole family. “The hardest part is seeing our child suffering and not being able to help. Walking was her favourite activity, but now she cannot stand on her own two feet.”
With Telethon’s support, Murdoch University can conduct cutting-edge research into childhood dementia, which can potentially change lives and spare families from heartbreak in the future.
Standing up for young minds in the Kimberley
Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians under the age of 44, with 75 per cent of mental health issues emerging before the age of 25. Over the past decade, zero2hero has empowered more than 220,000 young people in WA through mental health and suicide prevention education.
For 17-year-old Mekhi, the Camp Hero program was life-changing.
“This program created some of my best memories and lifelong connections. I felt like I exhaled and finally got to breathe once I was part of zero2hero.”
In its first year as a Telethon beneficiary, zero2hero turns its focus to the Kimberley, where the state’s highest rate of hospitalisation for self-harm in those aged 0 to 24 demands urgent attention.
“Studies show the leading cause of death or ill-health for young people in the Kimberley is suicide and self-inflicted injuries,” partnerships and fundraising manager Oscar Wharton said.
“Nothing is hurting young people more in the region than poor mental health.” Telethon’s funding will support zero2hero’s delivery of free mental health workshops to local schools, free suicide prevention workshops to the community, and sponsor 20 young individuals to attend Camp Hero LEADERSHIP – a life-changing flagship camp equipping young leaders with practical skills to positively support others who may be struggling.
Image: zero2hero empowers young people in WA through mental health and suicide prevention.
Standing up for young minds in the Kimberley
Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians under the age of 44, with 75 per cent of mental health issues emerging before the age of 25. Over the past decade, zero2hero has empowered more than 220,000 young people in WA through mental health and suicide prevention education.
For 17-year-old Mekhi, the Camp Hero program was life-changing.
“This program created some of my best memories and lifelong connections. I felt like I exhaled and finally got to breathe once I was part of zero2hero.”
In its first year as a Telethon beneficiary, zero2hero turns its focus to the Kimberley, where the state’s highest rate of hospitalisation for self-harm in those aged 0 to 24 demands urgent attention.
“Studies show the leading cause of death or ill-health for young people in the Kimberley is suicide and self-inflicted injuries,” partnerships and fundraising manager Oscar Wharton said.
“Nothing is hurting young people more in the region than poor mental health.” Telethon’s funding will support zero2hero’s delivery of free mental health workshops to local schools, free suicide prevention workshops to the community, and sponsor 20 young individuals to attend Camp Hero LEADERSHIP – a life-changing flagship camp equipping young leaders with practical skills to positively support others who may be struggling.
Asthma WA
| Riley’s asthma caused many sleepless and scary nights, but now, he is living life to his fullest. |
Neuromuscular WA
| When Lucas was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, his family was shattered, but now he’s living his best possible life. |
Down Syndrome WA
| Elliot and Zoe are best friends, and their parents’ friendship is just as special. |
Asthma WA
Riley’s asthma caused many sleepless and scary nights, but now, he is living life to his fullest.
Neuromuscular WA
When Lucas was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, his family was shattered, but now he’s living his best possible life.
Down Syndrome WA
Elliot and Zoe are best friends, and their parents’ friendship is just as special.
RDA Carine
Milly can move as fast as she likes thanks to equine-assisted therapy.
RDA Carine
Milly can move as fast as she likes thanks to equine-assisted therapy.
Image: Autism WA is shining a light on autism support.
Image: Autism WA is shining a light on autism support.
Shining a
light on autism
support in WA
| With lengthy wait times for assessments and therapy, the Autism Association of WA’s LINKS Playgroup is making a significant difference in the lives of Western Australian children. |
Find out more
The free playgroup supports families with young children showing signs of autism or developmental delays by helping them learn strategies to begin therapy while they wait to access formal services. Remy’s family discovered The LINKS (formerly First Steps) Playgroup in March 2023, and it quickly became a lifeline for them. Once overwhelmed and struggling to connect with others, Remy found a supportive environment where she could explore, connect and engage. Samantha, Remy’s mother, highlighted the incredible progress in Remy’s developmental and communication skills, with less meltdowns and improved sleep.
“Remy wouldn’t speak to kids at all before, and now she has a little best friend she loves. She’s interacting so well, with fewer meltdowns and tears,” Samantha said. The playgroup not only focuses on children, but also supports parents and caregivers. Families can connect with experienced therapists and play leaders, creating a network of understanding and shared experiences. For Samantha, playgroup is the first setting they have felt supported in, where the staff and families were inclusive, accepting and supportive of her daughter without judgment.
“I cried the whole car ride home because I couldn’t believe the difference it made in our daughter in two hours. I will never be able to thank Autism Association enough,” Samantha said.
With weekly sessions in several metro locations, the playgroup supported more than 94 families last year. Telethon funding enables the program to expand, thrive and provide much-needed support to children with autism and their families.
Image: OzHarvest’s Nourishing Our Schools program.
Image: OzHarvest’s Nourishing Our Schools program.
Serving up
better futures
for WA kids
| A hidden struggle affecting one in three households is unfolding within the WA community. This struggle is food insecurity - a reality impacting the health, education, and future of WA children. The demand for food relief services is rising. |
Find out more
More than 388,000 WA households are grappling with food insecurity - an increase of 80,000 in the past year*. 120,000 of these are families with children. This is more than just statistics; it’s a daily challenge faced by many families, often silently. With Telethon’s support, Foodbank WA, OzHarvest, and Bridge Builders aim to tackle this significant problem: children going hungry.
In 2023, Foodbank WA’s School Breakfast program supplied 351,500kg of breakfast foods to 524 schools across WA. More than 80,800 breakfasts were served to children each week, with a mission to ensure no child started the day on an empty stomach. OzHarvest’s Nourishing Our Schools program delivered more than 308,098 meals to 93 schools.
This enhanced the lives of 4,650 vulnerable children, and directly impacted 1,395 families experiencing food insecurity. Bridge Builders’ Backpack Buddies program aims to prevent children from going hungry, especially on weekends. Currently, more than 4,900 kids in the Mandurah region are food insecure. Backpack Buddies is distributing backpacks filled with nutritious food every Friday to schools with kids in need.
Telethon’s support enables Foodbank WA, OzHarvest and Bridge Builders to partner with local schools and connect with children and families struggling to put food on the table. It’s about more than just a meal; it’s about giving WA kids a better chance at a healthy, happy life.
Image: EON's Thriving Communities program.
Image: EON's Thriving Communities program.
Harvesting
hope for
WA kids
| In remote regions of WA, where children grapple with food insecurity and health challenges, EON Foundation is impacting lives through its Thriving Communities program. |
Find out more
The program supports children and their communities, equipping them with the skills to grow, harvest and cook nutritious food. It goes beyond ensuring there’s enough to eat; it’s about understanding the importance of balanced nutrition in maintaining good health.
Since 2005, EON has collaborated with more than 40 remote and regional indigenous communities, aiming to reduce food insecurity and build a deeper understanding of sustainable food practices. Thanks to Telethon’s support, the positive ripple effect of EON’s Thriving Communities program is expanding to Rangeway Primary School in Geraldton, where more than 85 per cent are disadvantaged students.
“Our students face enormous barriers... including poverty, lack of access to food, and the subsequent negative impacts on their physical and mental health,” principal Karin van Dongen said. “We want to empower our kids, remove any barriers that stop them from attending school, and when they are here, we want them to feel safe, valued, and ready to learn.
“The Thriving Communities program is going to be such a great thing for our school, particularly in promoting healthy messaging.” With Telethon’s support, the Thriving Communities program ensures that vulnerable children in all corners of WA are nourished and healthy, sowing the seeds for a brighter future.
Image: Autism WA is shining a light on autism support.
Image: Autism WA is shining a light on autism support.
Shining a
light on autism
support in WA
With lengthy wait times for assessments and therapy, the Autism Association of WA’s LINKS Playgroup is making a significant difference in the lives of Western Australian children.
Find out more
The free playgroup supports families with young children showing signs of autism or developmental delays by helping them learn strategies to begin therapy while they wait to access formal services. Remy’s family discovered The LINKS (formerly First Steps) Playgroup in March 2023, and it quickly became a lifeline for them. Once overwhelmed and struggling to connect with others, Remy found a supportive environment where she could explore, connect and engage. Samantha, Remy’s mother, highlighted the incredible progress in Remy’s developmental and communication skills, with less meltdowns and improved sleep.
“Remy wouldn’t speak to kids at all before, and now she has a little best friend she loves. She’s interacting so well, with fewer meltdowns and tears,” Samantha said. The playgroup not only focuses on children, but also supports parents and caregivers. Families can connect with experienced therapists and play leaders, creating a network of understanding and shared experiences. For Samantha, playgroup is the first setting they have felt supported in, where the staff and families were inclusive, accepting and supportive of her daughter without judgment.
“I cried the whole car ride home because I couldn’t believe the difference it made in our daughter in two hours. I will never be able to thank Autism Association enough,” Samantha said.
With weekly sessions in several metro locations, the playgroup supported more than 94 families last year. Telethon funding enables the program to expand, thrive and provide much-needed support to children with autism and their families.
Image: OzHarvest’s Nourishing Our Schools program.
Image: OzHarvest’s Nourishing Our Schools program.
Serving up
better futures
for WA kids
A hidden struggle affecting one in three households is unfolding within the WA community. This struggle is food insecurity - a reality impacting the health, education, and future of WA children. The demand for food relief services is rising.
Find out more
More than 388,000 WA households are grappling with food insecurity - an increase of 80,000 in the past year*. 120,000 of these are families with children. This is more than just statistics; it’s a daily challenge faced by many families, often silently. With Telethon’s support, Foodbank WA, OzHarvest, and Bridge Builders aim to tackle this significant problem: children going hungry.
In 2023, Foodbank WA’s School Breakfast program supplied 351,500kg of breakfast foods to 524 schools across WA. More than 80,800 breakfasts were served to children each week, with a mission to ensure no child started the day on an empty stomach. OzHarvest’s Nourishing Our Schools program delivered more than 308,098 meals to 93 schools.
This enhanced the lives of 4,650 vulnerable children, and directly impacted 1,395 families experiencing food insecurity. Bridge Builders’ Backpack Buddies program aims to prevent children from going hungry, especially on weekends. Currently, more than 4,900 kids in the Mandurah region are food insecure. Backpack Buddies is distributing backpacks filled with nutritious food every Friday to schools with kids in need.
Telethon’s support enables Foodbank WA, OzHarvest and Bridge Builders to partner with local schools and connect with children and families struggling to put food on the table. It’s about more than just a meal; it’s about giving WA kids a better chance at a healthy, happy life.
Image: EON's Thriving Communities program.
Image: EON's Thriving Communities program.
Harvesting
hope for
WA kids
In remote regions of WA, where children grapple with food insecurity and health challenges, EON Foundation is impacting lives through its Thriving Communities program.
Find out more
The program supports children and their communities, equipping them with the skills to grow, harvest and cook nutritious food. It goes beyond ensuring there’s enough to eat; it’s about understanding the importance of balanced nutrition in maintaining good health.
Since 2005, EON has collaborated with more than 40 remote and regional indigenous communities, aiming to reduce food insecurity and build a deeper understanding of sustainable food practices. Thanks to Telethon’s support, the positive ripple effect of EON’s Thriving Communities program is expanding to Rangeway Primary School in Geraldton, where more than 85 per cent are disadvantaged students.
“Our students face enormous barriers... including poverty, lack of access to food, and the subsequent negative impacts on their physical and mental health,” principal Karin van Dongen said. “We want to empower our kids, remove any barriers that stop them from attending school, and when they are here, we want them to feel safe, valued, and ready to learn.
“The Thriving Communities program is going to be such a great thing for our school, particularly in promoting healthy messaging.” With Telethon’s support, the Thriving Communities program ensures that vulnerable children in all corners of WA are nourished and healthy, sowing the seeds for a brighter future.
Improving sepsis care and outcomes
Sepsis is a dangerous condition that can be difficult to diagnose and treat in children. Tragically, survivors and their families face lifelong health impacts. Jacob’s health suddenly turned for the worse at six years old.
His family knew something was wrong; he’d lost his usual energy and was not eating. Jacob was eventually diagnosed with streptococcal, which led to sepsis and other complications. Jacob’s mum, Dianna, said: “This was a very traumatic time for our family. We were all very emotional and worried about his condition. As his mum, I can easily say this was my life’s worst and most stressful time.”
Jacob has been on a long journey towards recovery. He has endured countless procedures and an extended hospital stay, including a gruelling fortnight in intensive care. Supported by Telethon, the Child and Adolescent Health Service will launch a new care pathway to support survivors and bereaved families with individualised and culturally appropriate care.
By working together, Telethon and the Child and Adolescent Health Service are committed to providing the best possible care and improving long-term health outcomes for WA children diagnosed with sepsis.
Image: Jacob and his family access the Child and Adolescent Health Service supported by Telethon.
Improving sepsis care and outcomes
Sepsis is a dangerous condition that can be difficult to diagnose and treat in children. Tragically, survivors and their families face lifelong health impacts. Jacob’s health suddenly turned for the worse at six years old.
His family knew something was wrong; he’d lost his usual energy and was not eating. Jacob was eventually diagnosed with streptococcal, which led to sepsis and other complications. Jacob’s mum, Dianna, said: “This was a very traumatic time for our family. We were all very emotional and worried about his condition. As his mum, I can easily say this was my life’s worst and most stressful time.”
Jacob has been on a long journey towards recovery. He has endured countless procedures and an extended hospital stay, including a gruelling fortnight in intensive care. Supported by Telethon, the Child and Adolescent Health Service will launch a new care pathway to support survivors and bereaved families with individualised and culturally appropriate care.
By working together, Telethon and the Child and Adolescent Health Service are committed to providing the best possible care and improving long-term health outcomes for WA children diagnosed with sepsis.
Lions Outback Vision
| Kids in remote WA can see clearer with school-based screenings. |
Epilepsy WA
| Gabriella’s family were able to sleep again thanks to a night watch alarm and the support of Epilepsy WA. |
Lifeline
| Lily felt like she was a burden to everyone around her. She reached out to Lifeline via text and began receiving the support she needed. |
Lions Outback Vision
Kids in remote WA can see clearer with school-based screenings.
Epilepsy WA
Gabriella’s family were able to sleep again thanks to a night watch alarm and the support of Epilepsy WA.
Lifeline
Lily felt like she was a burden to everyone around her. She reached out to Lifeline via text and began receiving the support she needed.
Find out more about Telethon's impact on the WA community...
If you would like to learn more about Telethon and how you can get involved, please contact the Telethon Team.
Channel 7 Telethon Trust
50 Hasler Road, Osborne Park WA 6017
PO Box 1777, DC Osborne Park WA 6916
(08) 9482 3974 – telethonoffice@telethon7.com
Acknowledgement of Country
Telethon acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Western Australia and pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise the significant importance of their cultural heritage, values and beliefs and how these contribute to the positive health and wellbeing of the whole community.
This content was prepared for digital by MINT, the commercial content studio for Seven West Media.
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