Having a baby is one of the most exciting times in a person’s life. What will their laugh sound like? What sport will they play? What adventures will they go on?
But for many families, these visions are quickly shattered and replaced with the most frightening question of all – will my baby survive?
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Approximately 3,000 babies are born prematurely in WA every year. These babies spend their first days, weeks and even months surrounded by tubes, machinery and incubators.
For parents in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) who are living in a constant state of stress and anxiety, even the smallest display of kindness can make a world of difference.
Having a baby is one of the most exciting times in a person’s life. What will their laugh sound like? What sport will they play? What adventures will they go on?
But for many families, these visions are quickly shattered and replaced with the most frightening question of all – will my baby survive?
READ MORE
Approximately 3,000 babies are born prematurely in WA every year. These babies spend their first days, weeks and even months surrounded by tubes, machinery and incubators.
For parents in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) who are living in a constant state of stress and anxiety, even the smallest display of kindness can make a world of difference.
Telethon is proud to support programs that offer families an extra level of care which extends beyond the vital medical care provided by clinicians.
In 2024, Tiny Sparks delivered 750 care packages to NICU families within four metro hospitals, filled with practical items such as cooler bags for breastmilk transport and clothing specifically for premature babies.
The Miracle Babies Foundation provides emotional support, education and a listening ear through weekly hospital visits.
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"They became my lifeline during our NICU stay, providing support, stability and reassurance through one of the hardest experiences of my life."
– Miracle Babies mum, Amanda
Helping Little Hands removes barriers by supporting mums’ ability to travel to hospital and empowering them to be actively involved in their baby’s care.
Telethon is proud to support programs that offer families an extra level of care which extends beyond the vital medical care provided by clinicians.
In 2024, Tiny Sparks delivered 750 care packages to NICU families within four metro hospitals, filled with practical items such as cooler bags for breastmilk transport and clothing specifically for premature babies.
The Miracle Babies Foundation provides emotional support, education and a listening ear through weekly hospital visits.
"They became my lifeline during our NICU stay, providing support, stability and reassurance through one of the hardest experiences of my life."
– Miracle Babies mum, Amanda
Helping Little Hands removes barriers by supporting mums’ ability to travel to hospital and empowering them to be actively involved in their baby’s care.
A neonatal ventilator at St John of God Murdoch provides brain and lung protective ventilation to babies born in a critical condition.
Arctic Sun systems at Fiona Stanley Hospital offer vital cooling to neonates who’ve been deprived of oxygen at birth.
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This non-invasive intervention reduces the risk of life-changing brain injury and can help save little lives.
Panda Warmers at St John of God Subiaco and Murdoch offer temperature regulation, real-time information such as heart rate and oxygen saturation levels and are fitted with resuscitation technology.
A neonatal ventilator at St John of God Murdoch provides brain and lung protective ventilation to babies born in a critical condition
Arctic Sun systems at Fiona Stanley Hospital offer vital cooling to neonates who’ve been deprived of oxygen at birth.
READ MORE
This non-invasive intervention reduces the risk of life-changing brain injury and can help save little lives.
Panda Warmers at St John of God Subiaco and Murdoch offer temperature regulation, real-time information such as heart rate and oxygen saturation levels and are fitted with resuscitation technology.
Telethon is proud to partner with the Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) team to support sick children and their families by providing programs, equipment and research at Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH), ensuring children have access to world-class hospital facilities in WA.
In 2024, PCH had more than 1.2 million interactions with children and young people, from hospital admissions and surgeries, to outpatient appointments, immunisations and health assessments.
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Complemented by 16 Telethon-funded beneficiaries, children attending PCH receive gold-standard care and support services.
Together, Telethon and CAHS are dedicated to making PCH the best children’s hospital in Australia.
Telethon is proud to partner with the Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) team to support sick children and their families by providing programs, equipment and research at Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH), ensuring children have access to world-class hospital facilities in WA.
In 2024, PCH had more than 1.2 million interactions with children and young people, from hospital admissions and surgeries, to outpatient appointments, immunisations and health assessments.
READ MORE
Complemented by 16 Telethon-funded beneficiaries, children attending PCH receive gold-standard care and support services.
Together, Telethon and CAHS are dedicated to making PCH the best children’s hospital in Australia.
Life-saving
sepsis care
model for sick kids
CAHS is committed to providing world-leading care for sick kids. Through Australia’s first post-sepsis care model, a comprehensive treatment pathway has been developed to help address presentations of sepsis and the next steps once admitted.
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Ensuring this life-threatening condition does not continue to affect a child and their family, this program aims to provide information on warning signs, recovery support and how to go home safely.
This program was developed as a result of a Telethon grant and will be piloted across PCH in 2025, reinforcing the Service’s commitment to expedite the translation of research into clinical practice to improve the standards of care for children affected by sepsis at the hospital.
World-class support
for children with walking
and gross motor disorders
The generosity of WA has enabled CAHS to acquire and establish a Three-Dimensional Gait Analysis Laboratory for children in WA. This diagnostic tool will assess motor disabilities with 3D cameras and motion sensors to help build physiotherapy and rehabilitation plans for children with gross motor delays and challenges.
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This technology is essential in improving gait abnormalities, guiding surgical treatment options and providing high-quality care for vulnerable children.
Life-saving sepsis care model for sick kids
CAHS is committed to providing world-leading care for sick kids. Through Australia’s first post-sepsis care model, a comprehensive treatment pathway has been developed to help address presentations of sepsis and the next steps once admitted.
READ MORE
Ensuring this life-threatening condition does not continue to affect a child and their family, this program aims to provide information on warning signs, recovery support and how to go home safely.
This program was developed as a result of a Telethon grant and will be piloted across PCH in 2025, reinforcing the Service’s commitment to expedite the translation of research into clinical practice to improve the standards of care for children affected by sepsis at the hospital.
World-class support for children with walking and gross motor disorders
The generosity of WA has enabled CAHS to acquire and establish a Three-Dimensional Gait Analysis Laboratory for children in WA. This diagnostic tool will assess motor disabilities with 3D cameras and motion sensors to help build physiotherapy and rehabilitation plans for children with gross motor delays and challenges.
READ MORE
This technology is essential in improving gait abnormalities, guiding surgical treatment options and providing high-quality care for vulnerable children.
When small moments
have a huge impact
After facing the unimaginable with two life-threatening diagnoses, Archie’s family find joy and normalcy through Starlight.
When small moments
have a huge impact
After facing the unimaginable with two life-threatening diagnoses, Archie’s family find joy and normalcy through Starlight.
In collaboration with Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS), Telethon is proud to be supporting Perth Children’s Hospital’s first Nursing Research Fellowship.
This program will focus on the development and deployment of nurse-led research programs, concentrating on nursing innovation, new discovery and ultimately improved health outcomes for Western Australian children and their families.
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The inaugural recipient, Perth Children’s Hospital Research Nurse Co-ordinator Arielle Jolly, will develop and test a Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) bereavement service to follow-up with families of children who have died unexpectedly.
"The death of any child is an incomparable tragedy, and to experience this loss, unexpectedly, within the complex and complicated environment of a PICU is highly traumatic for all parents. I am thankful for the value that CAHS and the Telethon Trust have shown for nursing research, and the possibilities this fellowship will create."
- Nurse Arielle Jolly .
The Nursing Research Fellowships will establish a pathway to retain and develop world-class nursing research talent and build a nurse-led, evidence-based research hub that will see the outcomes integrated into clinical service delivery, ensuring better health outcomes for sick, vulnerable and disadvantaged children.
In collaboration with Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS), Telethon is proud to be supporting Perth Children’s Hospital’s first Nursing Research Fellowship.
This program will focus on the development and deployment of nurse-led research programs, concentrating on nursing innovation, new discovery and ultimately improved health outcomes for Western Australian children and their families.
READ MORE
The inaugural recipient, Perth Children’s Hospital Research Nurse Co-ordinator Arielle Jolly, will develop and test a Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) bereavement service to follow-up with families of children who have died unexpectedly.
"The death of any child is an incomparable tragedy, and to experience this loss, unexpectedly, within the complex and complicated environment of a PICU is highly traumatic for all parents. I am thankful for the value that CAHS and the Telethon Trust have shown for nursing research, and the possibilities this fellowship will create."
- Nurse Arielle Jolly
The Nursing Research Fellowships will establish a pathway to retain and develop world-class nursing research talent and build a nurse-led, evidence-based research hub that will see the outcomes integrated into clinical service delivery, ensuring better health outcomes for sick, vulnerable and disadvantaged children.
Telethon Fellows
changing the care
of WA sick kids
Investing in research is critical. From rare disease and evolving cancers, to the most effective treatments and interventions, research forms the foundation upon which answers can be sought.
The 39th year of the CAHS-Telethon Fellowships has resulted in systematic change in research across WA. In 2024, three fellows set out to leave their footprint and improve the care of children at PCH.
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Dr David Cullingford hopes to the solve the mysteries surrounding a rare congenital condition – Septo-Optic Dysplasia. This abnormal brain development happens in utero and can lead to health complications.
Dr Chandra Rath has set out to test gut-boosting potency of probiotics on WA’s tiniest babies, hoping to prove there is a correlation between gut health and serious health conditions.
Dr Kate Lomax tested whether hybrid closed loop (HCL) therapy can improve the management of type 1 diabetes in very young children. This cohort study created a new model of care equitably offering HCL therapy to all children under seven years of age within 12 weeks of a diabetes diagnosis.
Be proud, WA, that your funded fellows have built incredible scopes of works that have transformed the care for and support of sick kids in WA.
Raising the hopes
and spirits of those
fighting their biggest battles
When a child spends time in hospital their life can quickly become an endless cycle of white walls, injections, medication and isolation. But Telethon beneficiaries have made it their mission to bring colour, joy and fun to a place most often associated with pain and sickness.
Thanks to the Clown Doctors, 15-year-old Ruby now looks forward to her regular visits to PCH.
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When the Clown Doctors arrive, Ruby almost falls off her bed with excitement. She will count down the days until appointments as she can’t wait to see them again.
-Ruby’s mum, Nicole
The Starlight Children’s Foundation Express Room and Captains offer children a space to just be kids, to play and create without any talk of diagnoses, treatment or surgeries.
In 2024, dedicated volunteers at Radio Lollipop visited more than 10,000 children on the wards across seven WA hospitals, playing games, doing crafts or simply being company to help lift the spirits of those who most need our care.
Telethon Fellows changing the care of WA sick kids
Investing in research is critical. From rare disease and evolving cancers, to the most effective treatments and interventions, research forms the foundation upon which answers can be sought.
The 39th year of the CAHS-Telethon Fellowships has resulted in systematic change in research across WA. In 2024, three fellows set out to leave their footprint and improve the care of children at PCH.
READ MORE
Dr David Cullingford hopes to the solve the mysteries surrounding a rare congenital condition – Septo-Optic Dysplasia. This abnormal brain development happens in utero and can lead to health complications.
Dr Chandra Rath has set out to test gut-boosting potency of probiotics on WA’s tiniest babies, hoping to prove there is a correlation between gut health and serious health conditions.
Dr Kate Lomax tested whether hybrid closed loop (HCL) therapy can improve the management of type 1 diabetes in very young children. This cohort study created a new model of care equitably offering HCL therapy to all children under seven years of age within 12 weeks of a diabetes diagnosis.
Be proud, WA, that your funded fellows have built incredible scopes of works that have transformed the care for and support of sick kids in WA.
Raising the hopes and spirits of those fighting their biggest battles
When a child spends time in hospital their life can quickly become an endless cycle of white walls, injections, medication and isolation. But Telethon beneficiaries have made it their mission to bring colour, joy and fun to a place most often associated with pain and sickness.
Thanks to the Clown Doctors, 15-year-old Ruby now looks forward to her regular visits to PCH.
READ MORE
When the Clown Doctors arrive, Ruby almost falls off her bed with excitement. She will count down the days until appointments as she can’t wait to see them again.
-Ruby’s mum, Nicole.
The Starlight Children’s Foundation Express Room and Captains offer children a space to just be kids, to play and create without any talk of diagnoses, treatment or surgeries.
In 2024, dedicated volunteers at Radio Lollipop visited more than 10,000 children on the wards across seven WA hospitals, playing games, doing crafts or simply being company to help lift the spirits of those who most need our care.
Nursing Research Fellowship
The death of any child is an incomparable tragedy, and to experience this loss, unexpectedly, within the complex and complicated environment of a PICU is highly traumatic for all parents. Arielle’s research will develop and test a Paediatric Intensive Care Unit bereavement service to follow-up families of children who have died an unexpected death.
Nursing Research Fellowship
The death of any child is an incomparable tragedy, and to experience this loss, unexpectedly, within the complex and complicated environment of a PICU is highly traumatic for all parents. Arielle’s research will develop and test a Paediatric Intensive Care Unit bereavement service to follow-up families of children who have died an unexpected death.
When a child receives a cancer diagnosis, often their whole life is put on pause. What was once a world of possibility transforms into a narrow focus of treatment, medication and invasive hospital procedures.
Physical activity can be a significant challenge, but Little Big Steps is proving its importance in supporting a child’s cancer journey. With Telethon’s support, Little Big Steps has been able to offer physiotherapy to children undergoing treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, showing that it can reduce the severity of side effects and help preserve a child’s strength and bone health.
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For cancer survivors, recovery isn’t complete the moment they hear the words “cancer-free” or get to ring the bell on the oncology ward. It’s a long journey back to normality and even then, late effects can still present.
Prior to her cancer diagnosis, Kyra was heavily involved in dancing, cheerleading and acrobatics. But after intense chemotherapy she struggled to stand and walk and needed a wheelchair. During recovery from a bone marrow transplant, Kyra worked with Little Big Steps to gradually build back her strength.
We are one year post-transplant and Kyra has rejoined her classmates for Year 8, rejoined her dance company for musical theatre and is now snorkelling at the lagoon!
– Kyra’s mum, Karrie
Proving that movement is critical in recovery, Little Big Steps is now working with PCH to extend this service to all children diagnosed with any cancer, setting a new gold standard in cancer intervention, care and recovery.
When a child receives a cancer diagnosis, often their whole life is put on pause. What was once a world of possibility transforms into a narrow focus of treatment, medication and invasive hospital procedures.
Physical activity can be a significant challenge, but Little Big Steps is proving its importance in supporting a child’s cancer journey. With Telethon’s support, Little Big Steps has been able to offer physiotherapy to children undergoing treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, showing that it can reduce the severity of side effects and help preserve a child’s strength and bone health.
READ MORE
For cancer survivors, recovery isn’t complete the moment they hear the words “cancer-free” or get to ring the bell on the oncology ward. It’s a long journey back to normality and even then, late effects can still present.
Prior to her cancer diagnosis, Kyra was heavily involved in dancing, cheerleading and acrobatics. But after intense chemotherapy she struggled to stand and walk and needed a wheelchair. During recovery from a bone marrow transplant, Kyra worked with Little Big Steps to gradually build back her strength.
We are one year post-transplant and Kyra has rejoined her classmates for Year 8, rejoined her dance company for musical theatre and is now snorkelling at the lagoon!
– Kyra’s mum, Karrie
Proving that movement is critical in recovery, Little Big Steps is now working with PCH to extend this service to all children diagnosed with any cancer, setting a new gold standard in cancer intervention, care and recovery.
12 in-hospital Telethon-supported beneficiaries transforming the care of sick children with cancer.
12 in-hospital Telethon-supported beneficiaries transforming the care of sick children with cancer.
27 specialists
Telethon beneficiaries employed 27 specialists who cared for children affected by cancer through treatment, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, research and emotional well-being
323 volunteers
gave 10,937 volunteer hours to help bring normalcy and joy to children who were on the oncology ward
Telethon beneficiaries
raised the bar, building two new models of care and improving how we look after children with cancer through new recovery interventions, trauma mitigation and precision treatment
27 specialists
Telethon beneficiaries employed 27 specialists who cared for children affected by cancer through treatment, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, research and emotional well-being
323 volunteers
gave 10,937 volunteer hours to help bring normalcy and joy to children who were on the oncology ward
Telethon beneficiaries
raised the bar, building two new models of care and improving how we look after children with cancer through new recovery interventions, trauma mitigation and precision treatment
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.
