Hands Up for Our Children: Autumn 2017

HANDS UP FOR

Our Children STORIES FROM THE RCH ISSUE 6: AUTUMN 2017

RCH FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER

Aria awaiting orthopaedic surgery - photo courtesy of Jake Nowakowski, Herald Sun

MEET ARIA: THE ESCAPE ARTIST One of the many stories featured in the Herald Sun in support of the 2017 Good Friday Appeal Story courtesy of Brigid O’Connell, Herald Sun. Aria Harris is the Houdini of her hospital ward. Since Sunday 26 March, the cheeky eight-monthold has escaped six times from the traction contraption in which her legs have been held ahead of hip surgery.

Aria has endured several surgeries after being born with the uncommon Pierre Robin Sequence.

She arrived into the world with an underdeveloped jaw, which pushed her tongue to the roof of her mouth in utero so her palate couldn’t join.

It was during the surgery to correct her jaw, that The Royal Children’s Hospital doctors found Aria had a hole in her heart.

This contributed to her having a stroke in theatre.

At the RCH, Aria underwent surgery with orthopaedic surgeon Abhay Khot to correct her hip position.

Mr Khot said Aria’s infectious personality meant he often spent so much time engaging with her before surgery that she was always late to theatre. >> TURN TO PAGE 4 AND 5 TO READ ABOUT THE RCH GOOD FRIDAY APPEAL

CONTENTS Welcome 2 Graduation day

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Finnan’s Gift

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RCH Good Friday Appeal

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A special thank you

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Sponsor a bed, change a life

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Good things are on the cards for Brooke

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Meet Albie

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The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation Level 2, 48 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC 3052 03 9345 5037 ABN 15 007 143 142 ACN 007 143 142

Sue Hunt, RCH Foundation CEO with Christine Kilpatrick, former RCH CEO

Welcome.

Inside this issue we thank you, our community of supporters who gave so generously to the 2017 Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Good Friday Appeal.

This year, a record breaking $17.6 million was raised, an amazing achievement that would not be possible without your support.

On page five you can read about the ground breaking initiatives that will be funded thanks to your support of this year’s Good Friday Appeal. Inside this issue we also recap the day and share the story of RCH patient and escape artist Aria.

You will also meet a very special group of patients who recently ‘graduated’ from the RCH as part of the Transition Service, an initiative that is only available thanks to your generosity.

If this newsletter has arrived at a difficult time for you, please know we have you in our thoughts.

We acknowledge loved ones who have passed away in recent times and remember their family and friends who miss them every day.

I’m always amazed to learn about the creative ways people support the hospital and RCH patient Brooke is no exception. Her inspiring story is on page seven. We also introduce you to Albie, an extraordinarily brave boy, whose story you will read more about as part of our end of financial year fundraising campaign.

It is with great thanks and regret that I also let you know Professor Christine Kilpatrick, Chief Executive Officer of the RCH has resigned. Throughout the past nine years, Christine has led the hospital with passion and dedication, and was a wonderful supporter of philanthropy. We wish her well in her new role as CEO of Melbourne Health.

Warm regards,

Keep up to date with information from the RCH Foundation and join the conversation.

Sue Hunt Chief Executive Officer

Thank you to our newsletter sponsors

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Graduation day

The RCH recently farewelled a special group of patients at the 2017 RCH Graduation Ceremony.

The RCH Graduation Ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate patients who are transitioning into adult health services, and for young people to say goodbye to the hospital and their healthcare teams.

It was a full house in the RCH auditorium, where this year’s graduates listened to guest speakers, had the opportunity to walk the red carpet and were presented with a certificate

by CEO Christine Kilpatrick and Chief Operating Officer John Stanway.

Evelyn Culnane from Transition Support Services, a service made possible thanks to your philanthropic support, says this special and unique event is one of the highlights in the RCH calendar.

“It’s not often that we have the opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the immensely significant milestones which have been achieved and the journeys that our young people

and families have been on. From diagnosis to many years of treatment and care at the RCH, leaving here to venture into the world of adult care can be a big change, however the RCH Graduation allows us to acknowledge and mark this important step.”

During the Graduation Ceremony, graduates shared thoughts on their time at the RCH, including this tribute from one patient’s family; “It’s a bittersweet milestone for us parents as we know nothing in the adult system could match the world-leading expertise, dedication and care lavished on our children here.

We’ve been shown a million kind acts by RCH people and everyone became like family. The invitation to the RCH graduation came as a wonderful surprise. Another instance of RCH going above and beyond. We’re delighted because it gives us a chance to celebrate and thank the army of people whose efforts have made our son who he is today.”

Finnan’s Gift present $150,000 to the RCH Cardiac Surgery Unit Olympic gold medallist Alisa Camplin-Warner OAM and her husband Oliver, pictured here with Dr Jerome Soquet and RCH Interim CEO John Stanway, have raised an incredible $150,000 to support high-tech camera equipment for the RCH Cardiac Surgery Unit in memory of their late son Finnan.

The Karl Storz Vitom and Camera System is an innovative piece of equipment which records operating procedures in full high-definition. It is also able to take still photos in theatre that will be used to provide vital imagery and training to surgeons and clinical staff, both during and post-surgery.

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GOOD FRIDAY APPEAL 2017 - HIGHLIGHTS

86 years of generosity Generous Victorians showed their unwavering support of the RCH by delivering an incredible final tally for the 2017 Good Friday Appeal.

“After 86 years of fundraising for the hospital, the Good Friday Appeal is always overwhelmed by the incredible support of the community and this year we were thrilled to announce the 2017 fundraising total of $17,605,662!

From the heart of the city to the tiniest of towns, communities came together to generously support the world-class hospital that is the RCH and we sincerely want to thank each and every person who has given up their time and money to the Appeal,” said Anne Randall, Director Good Friday Appeal.

Supporters across the State pitched in, with fundraising events including everything from tin rattling in Corowa to a fish and chip feast in Willaura.

Melbourne families came out in droves to attend Kids Day Out and, whether they checked in at the Teddy Bear Hospital or soared to new heights in one of the jumping castles, all had a fantastic time.

Footy fans enjoyed the historic clash between North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs at the very first Kick for the Kids. The nail biter match began with an RCH patient Guard of Honour and saw the Doggies snag a three point victory.

RCH patients and nurses say thank you photo courtesy of Jake Nowakowski, Herald Sun

The Super Show capped off an amazing day with performances by Aussie favourites, including Tina Arena, Anthony Callea and Daryl Braithwaite before the final tally was read at midnight.

Run for the Kids The week before Good Friday more than 26,000 people braved the rain to Run for the Kids, raising $1.6 million for the Appeal. Many of these runners have been deeply touched by the hospital, like Phil Lewis from Team Olivia.

A member of the RCH Foundation’s Leadership Circle, Phil’s granddaughter Olivia was born with four heart defects that prevented her blood from getting enough oxygen. Participating in Run for the Kids was one of the many ways that Phil and his family have chosen to give back to the hospital and say thank you for the care Olivia received.

The RCH Auxiliaries present their Good Friday Appeal Donation

With nearly 30 members, Team Olivia actively fundraised, asking family, friends and colleagues to dig deep to help the hospital. The Lewis family were overwhelmed by the support and generosity they received, raising $78,436 for the RCH. “The challenge of fundraising for and participating in Run for the Kids was nothing compared to Olivia’s determination and we are so proud of her. What the hospital has done to give her the quality of life she deserves is incredible,” said Phil.

Team Olivia at the Run for the Kids finish line

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The Good Friday Appeal is the single largest fundraiser for the RCH. Below are just some of the iniatives that will be funded thanks to your support of this year’s Appeal: • Thanks to the Good Friday Appeal, the RCH SIMULATION PROGRAM promotes excellence in patient care and safe clinical practice through the practice of high-risk low-frequency events or procedures. By exposing hospital teams to acute, but rare patient events in a safe environment, the program is improving clinical decision making, enhancing communication skills, and furthering great patient and family care in the most critical situations • Through Good Friday Appeal support, the RCH is leading the way in care for rural and regional patients with RCH TELEHEALTH. An online video consultation tool, RCH Telehealth improves access to important healthcare services and is and a great way for clinicians to deliver care to patients outside of hospital visits • The Good Friday Appeal also supports the RCH AUSTRALIAN CHILD HEALTH POLL. This quarterly, national survey of Australian households shedding new light on the big issues in contemporary child and adolescent health, as told by the Australian public. The poll aims to inform national discourse, health priorities and policy formulation, and stimulate further research into the new and emerging health issues facing Australian children and teenagers, and their communities, today • Community support for the Good Friday Appeal has helped the RCH initiate a pilot research study called NUDGING TOWARDS HEALTHIER BMI, which aims to modify obese children’s home environments to encourage healthier outcomes. With the guidance of a paediatrician, families will be encouraged to make small in-home improvements, like smaller plates to counter overeating, to improve weight loss and health. If successful, the pilot study will lead the way for a larger project supporting the effectiveness of small ‘nudges’ in creating lasting BMI reduction.

• Thanks to Good Friday Appeal funding, the RCH will establish its first DIGITAL COMMAND CENTRE, a purpose built dedicated workspace with state of the art audio visual equipment to deliver big data to RCH teams 24/7. By aggregating data including emergency surgery workloads and State-wide intensive care capacity, the Digital Command Centre will unleash the potential data provides to inform decision making to improve efficiency, productivity and timely access to care.

RCH patients, families and staff say thank you to Appeal supporters - photo courtesy of Jake Nowakowski, Herald Sun

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A special thank you Grateful for the life-saving care their little girl Elizabeth received at the RCH, Daniel and Mimi Goldman wrote a heartfelt letter below expressing their thanks.

Dear Royal Children’s Hospital, My wife and I would like to thank all the staff at the hospital for saving our daughter’s life in June 2015.

All the doctors and nurses were very caring to our baby daughter and to us through such a difficult time.

As you generally see children and babies at their sickest and most vulnerable, I can imagine you don’t see what happens to most of them when they leave. If they are ok or not. I am writing to let you know that Elizabeth is a perfectly fine girl now. She is happy and curious and full of love. When we take her out she brightens up everyone’s day. Because of the love and caring you showed her, in this way she passes it on. It is a testament to your good work.

To all the staff at the hospital we wish you all the best and to let you know that you have helped bring a happy beautiful girl into the world and made it a better place.

Lots of Love.

SPONSOR A BED, CHANGE A LIFE Each year, more than 45,000 sick children are admitted to The Royal Children’s Hospital. By sponsoring a hospital bed, you will help RCH doctors and nurses continue to provide world leading care to thousands of children throughout the year.

The RCH Bed Sponsorship Program is an opportunity for you, your family or your organisation to enhance the care provided to sick children and support the hospital in advancing paediatric healthcare.

To discuss sponsoring a bed at the hospital, please contact Donna Aranyi, Community Fundraising Manager on 03 9345 4510 or donna.aranyi@rch.org.au 6

Good things are on the cards for Brooke Five years ago an innocent game turned serious when Brooke hit her head on the living room floor. Though paramedics said she was all right, Brooke’s parents knew otherwise and stayed up all night watching her.

“It was clear something was really wrong, so the following day we took her to our GP,” said mum Kristy. “The scans confirmed that Brooke had a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain. She was rushed to the RCH immediately.”

Following the injury Brooke was constantly “sleepy and muddled” and missed most of her Grade 1 year. Brooke soon developed anxiety and began to experience intense migraines. Brooke spent two weeks at the RCH until the bleeding in her brain stabilised, but this was only the start of her recovery.

As a result of her experience at the RCH, Brooke was keen to give back and help other children like her affected by brain injuries and those with neurological conditions. She decided to fundraise by doing what she does best: designing and making greeting cards.

“I think about my lovely nurses and my doctors and I am very thankful that I had such nice people looking after me. So I decided to make cards to earn money for the hospital so they can help other children,” said Brooke.

So far Brooke has raised over $600 with her handmade cards and plans to continue her creative fundraising.

“We’ve always taught Brooke that if something bad happens to you, you turn it into something good and she really has,” said Kristy.

Your gift makes everything possible Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter, we hope you feel proud of what you make possible through your continued support. If you have any feedback, please email us at rch.foundation@rch.org.au or call 03 9345 5037.

If you have not supported the RCH Foundation before or you would like to make an additional gift at this time, we sincerely thank you. Please return the donation form on the back of this newsletter or visit rchfoundation.org.au/news.

On behalf of those who will benefit from your kindness and care, our heartfelt thanks.

“We couldn’t be more grateful to the RCH for everything they’ve done for us.

Without the hospital, our little girl wouldn’t be alive.” Sondra, mum of RCH patient Alex.

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MEET ALBIE Whose story we share as part of our end of financial year fundraising campaign.

By 31 weeks in utero, paediatric specialists had confirmed that Albie had kidney and cardiac issues. They were also concerned over the length of his limbs. A caesarean section was booked for 39 weeks and immediately after he was born, Albie was rushed to the RCH Newborn Intensive Care Unit.

In his first few days, Albie had emergency surgery to repair the lower section of his bowel, which was missing. A few days later, he has his first heart operation. Affected by numerous other conditions including vertebral anomalies, bronchial and oesophageal issues, allergies and low muscle tone, Albie spent months recovering at the RCH before he was well enough to go home.

Now a “very, very happy” little boy, Albie will continue to visit the RCH regularly for medical check-ups. Right now, his hospital teams are focussed on helping him through the next stage of his development. Managing Albie’s complex medical issues will always be a balancing act, but the RCH will be there every step of the way.

Donate today and help make a difference to the future of children’s health.

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Please complete and mail this form to: The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation, Level 2, 48 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC 3052 You can also donate online at: rchfoundation.org.au/news

Thank you, every gift to the RCH Foundation is gratefully received.

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