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24 hours stepping up for Frankie
May 15, 2026
When Harry steps up to the treadmill on Friday 29 May, he’ll be thinking of his daughter Frankie.
“It’s not really about me, it’s about raising awareness,” he says as he limbers up for the hours long challenge alongside his brother Tom.
Frankie lives with MPS Sanfilippo Type A, a form of rapidly progressing childhood dementia that is life-limiting.
As her condition advances, the four-year-old is expected to gradually lose skills many children take for granted, including the ability to walk, talk, sleep and eat. It is this reality that gives purpose to every step Harry is preparing to take.
“We aren’t renowned as the best runners,” Harry says with a laugh.
Still, the brother duo has taken on the Very Special Kids’ 24-Hour Treadmill Challenge to give back to a charity that has walked alongside Frankie, their family and others facing life-limiting childhood illness.
With the support of his workplace, JLL, Harry and Tom are already in the final stretch towards their ambitious $100,000 goal.
“What really matters is what it makes possible,” Harry says.
“Every dollar we’ve raised so far can make a meaningful difference for families like ours. The support from our community has been hugely motivating, and we hope people continue to get behind it and help us finish strong.”
For her parents, Harry and Bella, Frankie’s diagnosis in September 2025 followed months of unanswered questions.
“Call it a mother’s intuition, but Bella always knew that something was up,” Harry remembers. “Frankie just wasn’t hitting milestones.”
When their second child, Freddy, was born, the gaps became harder to ignore. Bella and Harry attended countless doctor appointments, searching for answers for their little girl.
When the diagnosis finally came, it brought heartbreak, but also clarity.
“It didn’t bring relief,” Harry says.
“But at least it helped us understand what we were facing.”
Soon after, the family was referred to Very Special Kids.
They have since accessed respite care at the purpose-built hospice, where nurses and healthcare professionals provide around-the-clock support.
“It’s fantastic having Very Special Kids as a resource,” Harry says.
“Frankie loves performing or playing with the music instruments in the music therapy space. She also loves her trips down the street with the hospice staff for sushi and icecream treats.”
Support extends beyond medical care. The family also receives specialised counseling that reflects the complexity of living with a child’s life-limiting condition.
“Compared to other counselling services, Very Special Kids has a better understanding of what families are going through. It makes it a lot easier to talk about the feelings of grief I’m going through.”
For Harry, that support is personal. It meets Frankie where she is, and wraps around the whole family, adapting as their needs change and ensuring no one is navigating this alone.
“In my eyes it doesn’t feel like palliative care. It feels like support. It feels like respite.”
After being introduced to Very Special Kids, Harry and his brother Tom were keen to find a way to give back.
“I didn’t realise how much Very Special Kids relies on donations” Harry says. “Seeing how much Frankie enjoys it, I wanted to do something.”
Frankie will be cheering on her dad and uncle during the 24-Hour Treadmill Challenge, giving them that extra push to keep going.
“It’ll be pretty difficult not to hold back emotions,” Harry says. “I hope she’s proud of her uncle and father.”
The 24-Hour Treadmill Challenge is about more than endurance. Across 24 hours, individuals, families, businesses and teams come together, each with their own reason for stepping up, united by a shared goal to support children and young people with life-limiting conditions.
It also opens the door for honest conversations, creating space for people to ask questions and better understand what palliative care means in their own communities.
Very Special Kids aims to raise $1 million through the 24-Hour Treadmill Challenge, ensuring that more families like Frankie’s can access the care and support they need, when they need it most.
From 9am on Friday 29 to 9am on Saturday 30 May, the community will come together to make that possible.
To cheer on and support participants visit vsktreadmill.org.au.
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Moments from A Very Special Ladies Lunch
March 23, 2026
On Friday 20 March, a sold-out crowd of more than 300 guests filled Zinc at Federation Square for A Very Special Ladies Lunch. It was a day of celebration, style and heart for children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families.
Thanks to everyone’s remarkable generosity, enthusiastic bidding and a high stakes raffle, we exceeded our fundraising target and raised an incredible $240,000!
Outcomes like this help us ensure children with life‑limiting conditions can receive the specialist care they need, and families can access the essential respite and support they deserve.
An afternoon of celebration
Hosted by the wonderful Elly Wicks and Kris Smith, here were some of our event highlights:
- A stunning live performance from Sammy on Percussion had everyone on the dance floor
- An energetic live auction with renowned auctioneer Phil de Fégely
- A curated silent auction featuring generous contributions from brands, creatives and local businesses
- A fabulous raffle with three incredible prizes – one very lucky lady walked away with an 18ct gold diamond bracelet!
- Delicious food and sparkling Pommery enjoyed by all
- The sweetest treats from the Cupcake Queens
- Pamper stations courtesy of Runway Room had everyone looking their best!
- An exclusive after party at The George on Collins
A very special story
One of the most powerful moments of the day was hearing from Nicole, a very special mum to 11-year-old Breana.
Born with DiGeorge syndrome, Breana has spent nearly half of her life in hospital and continues to navigate significant health challenges. Yet –as Nicole lovingly shared – Breana is defined not by her diagnoses, but by her strength, sass, caring nature and resilience.
Nicole’s story brought to life the true impact community support can have.
It is events like this, that help keep the doors open and families like mine receiving the help we need… I honestly don’t know where we would be without them.
Nicole reminded the room that Very Special Kids doesn’t just care for the child, its support wraps around the entire family. For Nicole’s family, that has meant sibling programs, family camps, counselling, respite care and the assurance that we will stand beside them long into the future.
Thank you to our wonderful Presenting Partner Lowe Living and Event Sponsor Runway Room. A very special thank you to our dedicated committee – Elly Wicks, Emma Lowe, Mandy Hall and Simone Braid – along with our volunteers, speakers and every guest who came with open hearts to make this event possible.
Join us in 2027
A Very Special Kids Ladies Lunch continues to grow each year – and 2027 is set to be bigger, brighter and even more impactful.
Join the waitlist for A Very Special Ladies Lunch 2027. Be the first to hear when tickets go on sale and see what very special surprises await!
Join the waitlist
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Very Special Ride goes the distance
March 5, 2026
The 2026 Very Special Ride has rolled to a stop — and what a ride it was.
From tough climbs to glorious views of the sweeping countryside and triumphant finishes, this year’s event showed the strength, spirit and generosity of our community in every pedal stroke.
Thanks to everyone’s valiant efforts, an incredible $250,000 was raised for children’s palliative care.
Whether you joined us on the day or are supporting from afar, the photos and event video offer a wonderful look at everything that made this year’s ride so special.
Every kilometre ridden and every dollar raised helps Very Special Kids provide holistic palliative care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions. We are a largely self‑funded charity, and all our services are provided free‑of‑charge, ensuring families receive vital care, counselling, respite and support when they need it most.
There were plenty of standout moments across the day. A huge congratulations to Jack Bongiorno, our top fundraiser, whose incredible efforts set the pace for generosity across the field.
We’d like to extend a big thank you to our Event Partner, Boongalla Group, and our Vehicle Sponsor, Chadstone Toyota, whose generous support helped bring this year’s event to life.
To everyone who rode, donated, volunteered or cheered from the sidelines, thank you for going the distance and making this year’s Very Special Ride truly special. Your commitment ensures that children and families facing life‑limiting conditions receive the care and support they deserve.
We can’t wait to do it all over again in 2027!
If you’d like to help raise more than a sweat next year, complete your details below to hear when registrations open.
Get in touch to be one of the first to hear about the 2027 ride
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Four ways to spread cheer this Christmas
December 5, 2025
The end of the year can be a challenging time for many families we support. As school finishes and caring responsibilities intensify, we take extra care to support families during this time.
The holiday season brings a lot of joy but also highlights what is missing. For families who celebrate Christmas, it can be a mix of special and sad moments. We’re honoured to support them as they cope with grief and slowly build new memories.
That’s why your involvement matters more than ever. Every act of kindness can help bring comfort and joy in simple, meaningful ways. Here are four ways you can spread cheer this festive season:
Pick the Perfect Tree
Looking for a fresh Christmas tree? Malvern Xmas Trees is once again selling beautiful trees from the front lawn of Very Special Kids, with a percentage of proceeds supporting our work.
Where: 321 Glenferrie Road, Malvern
When: Saturday 29 November to Sunday 21 December (or until sold out)
Hours: 10am to 5pm weekdays, 7am to 5pm Saturdays and 8am to 5pm Sundays
Pop in, choose your tree, and know your purchase is helping families in need this Christmas.
Light up the season
Across our community, incredible supporters are decorating their homes with dazzling Christmas lights – not just to spread festive cheer, but to raise funds for Very Special Kids.
If you know someone who loves going all out (or maybe it’s you!), why not join in? It’s a beautiful way to celebrate the season and make a difference.
The perfect stocking stuffer
Our Christmas Elf and Santa piggy banks are bringing plenty of holiday cheer this month!
For just $15, these festive little piggies make the perfect stocking stuffer or Secret Santa gift –and every purchase helps support children and families in need.
Support families like Emma
This year’s Christmas Appeal shares the story of nine-year-old Emma, who lives with a rare genetic condition that causes cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and affects her hearing and vision.
Though Emma is non-verbal, she has her own way of communicating and expressing who she is, including doing some festive artwork with child life therapist Cassie at Very Special Kids House.
As her mum Ashley explains, Emma speaks with her heart:
“Cuddles are her absolute favourite thing…that tells you so much about her. She shows the world nothing but love, despite everything it’s thrown at her. But she is on borrowed time”
Emma’s mum Ashley appreciates every single Christmas, every photo they get to have with Santa as a family. Because they never know when it may be their last.
Your Christmas gift could help provide Emma’s family the comfort of knowing they won’t have to face the holiday season – and beyond – alone.
Every tree purchased, every light displayed, every donation made helps us provide vital care and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
Thank you to all our supporters who help us make the festive season a bit brighter for families in our care.
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Footy Finals Fever kicks some serious goals
September 4, 2025
On Friday 29 August we celebrated the start of the AFL finals with an exhilarating Footy Finals Fever lunch at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, together we raised more than $375,000! These vital funds will help Very Special Kids continue to provide holistic palliative care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions across Victoria.
A big thank you to our incredible MC Sarah Jones for hosting this vibrant afternoon, and to our panellists and speakers for bringing the footy fun.
Thank you – Kevin Sheedy, Kevin Bartlett, David King, Chelsea Roffey, Jules Valance and Jon Ralph, and comedian Marty Fields – for keeping us entertained, informed and primed for finals season.
We were thrilled to receive pledges towards 98 nights of respite and end-of-life care at Victoria’s only children’s hospice, Very Special Kids House. We’re grateful to all who pledged a bed night – we can’t do this work without you.
A heartfelt thank you also goes to very special mum Sarah for generously sharing her and her son Callum’s story. Callum is a beautiful child who lives with Sanfilippo syndrome – a rare form of childhood dementia. Sarah’s presentation reminded us just how vital the funds raised at the event are for families like hers. Sarah shares:
It’s humbling to look around the room knowing that our family’s community just got a little bit bigger…You have become a part of my family, a part of Callum’s journey, and you’re an integral part of the wellbeing of families and terminally ill children across Victoria.
Special mention to our presenting partner Lowe Living, major prize sponsor Hyundai Help for Kids, handball sponsor Adriatic Furniture and in-kind partners Sutton Grange Winery and Jetty Road Brewery. Thank you also to all the in-kind supporters who donated gifts for our auction and raffle.
We’d also like to acknowledge our incredible Footy Finals Fever committee Patrick Prendergast, Peter Sidwell and Justin Whitford. Without your efforts and behind the scenes work, Footy Finals Fever – and the incredible funds raised for the children and families in our care – would not have been possible.
Congratulations to our raffle winners!
1st: Simon Mowlman – Hyundai Venue Active (thanks to Hyundai Help for Kids)
2nd: Isabella Hicks – $15,000 E&S Trading voucher
3rd: Cara Castillo – Travel package from O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours
4th: Lauren Gordon – Melbourne United basketball corporate package from Engie
5th: Thomas Lay – Seven-day campervan rental from Let’s Go Motorhomes
6th: Elizabeth Rowland – Two-night stay at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins
A big thank you also to the donors who supplied our auction items including:
- Mark Allen and Kingston Heath Club– private golf coaching experience
- 3AW/Nine Media – 3AW advertising schedule
- Live Nation and Amphora – Entertainment Package
- Carlton Football Club – for donating towards the Carlton Football Club package
- Steele Sidebottom – for donating his time at the Very Special Golf Day at Capital Golf Club
- Ticketmaster, Amphora and Engie– Footy Fever Fan Package
- Mildura Base Public Hospital Foundation and Stefano de Pieri – Magnificent Murray River package
- Craig Hart from Assembled Group – Sports Package Bonanza
Behind every goal is an even greater one. Thank you for your support!
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The most special day of the year is back!
August 28, 2025
We are excited to announce that on Tuesday 16 September, A Very Special Day – our fun, exciting and impactful annual matched giving day – is returning!
That’s double the impact and double the care for children with life-limiting conditions and their families. But remember, it’s for 24 hours only!
Your help couldn’t come at a better time. Not only because we are celebrating Very Special Kids’ 40th anniversary, but also because we are experiencing an unprecedented 65% increase in the number of referrals from families in need of support!
Right now, your gift can help ensure Victoria’s only children’s hospice can always be ready to provide life-changing 24-hour paediatric palliative care, for families and children like Sophia, Lachie, and Damien & Dominic.
Sophia was born with a rare genetic condition that affects the communication between her nerves and muscles. After four months in the hospital, her airway collapsed. Zoe, Sophia’s mum, shared:
“They said that there’s no safe way to send her home unless they put an artificial airway in.”
To top things off, Zoe was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after giving birth and was undergoing treatment while Sophia underwent a tracheostomy.
With Sophia’s complex medical issues and need for 24-hour care, a five-week emergency respite stay at Very Special Kids House provided crucial support that helped the family transition from the hospital to their home with better confidence.
Lachie has a rare degenerative condition that will continue to attack his central nervous system as he grows. Despite that, he’s a happy and determined boy who walks using a frame. He’s even learned to say six words. “Mum” is the best one!
Living in regional Victoria, Lachlan’s parents are thrilled that the Very Special Kids road to respite van can pick Lachlan up for respite care at the children’s hospice, where Lachlan loves his music and hydrotherapy.
Lachlan’s mum, Alanna, shared:
“It’s phenomenal really, Very Special Kids has helped us when we really needed it and taken the pressure off.
“We know Lachie is safe and in good hands at the hospice, and it gives us the break we really need.”
When very special parents Katy and Maurice learned their twin boys had the same rare and life-limiting condition — spinal muscular atrophy — they turned to Very Special Kids as a second family.
Managing the twins’ degenerative condition is not an easy journey. As Damien and Dominic lose the ability to sit up or breathe on their own, your support means they can continue to live their fullest lives. Katy shares:
“Their bodies will grow, but they will never be able to walk on their own.
“I worry I won’t be able to lift them and take them places, but at Very Special Kids they can experience so much in the time we have left.”
Your support this year can help ensure Very Special Kids House is always available to children like Sophia, Lachie, Damien and Dominic, 24 hours of the day, with free of charge respite care they can’t get anywhere else.
You can:
- Help spread the word – Share our communications with your networks – friends, family, neighbours, members of your community groups
- Help fundraise by setting up a fundraising page – Gather some very special people and find a fun way to fundraise ahead of the day, knowing all your contributions will be doubled. You can sign up at averyspecialday.org.au
- Donate on A Very Special Day – Have your impact doubled on the day! Donate at averyspecialday.org.au
Together, let’s make this A Very Special Day to remember.
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Callum’s story
May 14, 2025
Callum is a child who is hard to forget.
He has an open heart, gorgeous big blue eyes and long, golden hair that frames his cheeky smile.
Callum also has Sanfilippo syndrome — a rare and cruel form of childhood dementia that is robbing him of his memory, along with his ability to speak and walk.
Very little is known about Sanfilippo syndrome, and there is no cure.
For the past four years, Callum’s mum Sarah has had to watch as day-by-day, little-by-little, her precious boy is losing all the skills he had gained, his memories, along with his ability to talk:
I think about how there was a time when he was able to say, ‘I love you’.
As a parent, you assume your child is always going to be able to say that to you.
Every parent cherishes the first time they hear ‘I love you’ from their child. But Sarah must endure the heartbreak of knowing she has likely heard it from Callum for the last time.
The strain that caring for a child who has a life-limiting condition puts on a parent is unimaginable. The relentless worry, the sleepless nights and nagging uncertainty. And yet Sarah keeps going, putting every ounce of her energy into making sure Callum is living his best life.
“Even though you might be tired and you’re behind on work, even though there might be dishes and laundry, when Saturday morning rolls around, you get to the beach, or you go to the park. With Callum’s syndrome, you never know when it will be the last time.
Whatever it is that’ll make him happy, you just go and do those things. Those are the moments that matter.”
Callum runs at life with open arms and an open heart – and we love having him stay at Very Special Kids House, our children’s hospice. He also loves being here, as the nurses sing songs, read stories and play games with him. And while Callum is with us, Sarah can get the rest she needs and deserves:
After dropping Callum at Very Special Kids for the first time, I went home and had the best night’s sleep I’d had in a long time.
I felt at peace for the first time in years.
We can literally see the change in a parent’s face when they understand what we can offer them here at Very Special Kids – thanks to your support.
We see the weight lift from their shoulders. And then there are tears. Tears of relief, because they realise how special this place is.
“I remember going to the hospice and being blown away by everyone from the nurses to the volunteers — they go above and beyond. It’s like hanging out with family or friends.”
That’s why our hospice, Victoria’s only children’s hospice, provides specialist clinical care as well as respite.
It’s this combination that makes it a unique service, and why parents have such peace of mind leaving their children in our care.
But a hospice is just a building, the magic comes from the people inside of it, and this is why we’re urging you to donate as soon as you possibly can.
Your gift today can help cover the vital ongoing costs of having specially trained paediatric palliative care nurses in our children’s hospice for the next financial year.
While it is more common to find generalist, palliative or paediatric trained nurses; what we require is specific – paediatric palliative care nurses.
So please send a tax-time donation before 30 June, if you can, and help cover the vital ongoing costs of more specially trained paediatric palliative care nurses. You will be helping to support children like Callum, and parents like Sarah.
Together, we can support families like theirs, so they’re able to turn last memories into lasting memories.
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A Very Special Ladies Lunch on the Yarra
March 20, 2025
On Friday 14 March, breathtaking views of the Yarra River at Leonda by the Yarra provided a serene backdrop for a Very Special Ladies Lunch.
We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our wonderful guests and sponsors who brought enthusiasm and passion to the vibrant afternoon, helping us raise an incredible $92,000 for children and young people with life-limiting conditions.
The ambiance was perfectly set by DJ Stefan Lewis and Sammy on Percussion, creating an atmosphere that eventually transformed the venue into a lively dance floor.
As glasses clinked and conversations flowed, The Champagne Dame offered a mesmerising spectacle of champagne artistry.
Event sponsor Runway Room added a personal touch of glamour at its beauty stations and skilled makeup artists offered complimentary touch ups.
After a true pampering experience guests were picture ready for the interactive 360 Event Reels photobooth, spinning and posing as if on a Hollywood red carpet.
Luncheon for a very special cause
A heartfelt thank you to Board member Lisa Evans and very special mum Kat who both shared their personal connection to Very Special Kids.
Kat shares, “Very Special Kids has offered us sanctuary peace and great connections. They have been there to help us create really beautiful memories. Very Special Kids is a part of a decision to live a mantra of an extraordinary life.“
Her son, 14-year-old Noah, who has mitochondrial disease, added his own special touch to the lunch with a short video.
Special mention also goes to TV presenter Elly Wicks who took to the stage as our MC and presenting partner Emma Lowe from Lowe Living. A big thank you to auctioneer Phil De Fegley who masterfully encouraged generous bidding throughout the lunch, helping us raise vital funds to support our holistic children’s palliative care services.
On top of supporting a very special cause, one lucky participant walked home with a 1ct emerald cut diamond. Hand-picked for Very Special Kids, accompanied by a $500 voucher towards a custom setting by Tallulah Design Jewellery.
None of this would have been possible without our presenting partner Lowe Living and event sponsor Runway Room, whose commitment to our cause made this spectacular day a reality. We’d also like to acknowledge the many in-kind supporters who made the day extra special including Cupcake Queens, The Palmier, and so many more.
Don’t miss out on another Very Special Ladies Lunch, reach out to Bec at events@vsk.org.au to express your interest for 2026!
We’ll be returning with even more glamour, meaningful moments and together we can support Very Special Kids crucial work for children and young people with life-limiting conditions.
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Top tips from a superstar fundraiser
January 31, 2025
In one month, 50 cyclists will saddle up for our inaugural Very Special Ride – a one-day 120km road ride in the Mornington Peninsula where riders will go the distance for the children and families supported by Very Special Kids.
We asked one of our top fundraisers Matt Tait from efm Logistics to share his key tips to help anyone shift their fundraising into gear.
Get your workplace on board
A lot of workplaces look for creative ways to demonstrate their corporate social responsibility. In Matt’s experience, there was a clear alignment with efm Logistics values, one of which is, “Together we make a difference.”
“The leadership is the key. They promote the ride in our monthly newsletters, and they supported each worksite to organise their own fundraising.”
At the Altona worksite, for example, employees held a BBQ and donated cash — an approach that resonated with the team as not everyone could donate online.
Send targeted emails
Most people will share their fundraising page on their LinkedIn, but Matt believes a targeted email can have a much deeper impact.
“I’ve built strong relationships with work contacts over the years, and I start by emailing people who I know will donate. Once they’ve donated, I send an email to a larger group of people, and those early donations act as a guide to encourage others to match those donations.
Time your reach out to friends and family
Matt also believes that reaching out to your network is all about timing.
“I’ll go out to my friends and family about three to six weeks before… [Then] as I get closer to the event, I’ll send out a reminder email, post or text messages saying, ‘I’m doing this in a couple of weeks’. It’s about the immediacy for friends and family.”
Post to socials during and after the event
It is good to consider the different types of social networks you can use; fitness tracking apps can be a good visual support to turn your words into action.
“When I actually do the ride, I’ll put a sponsorship link on Strava and post that to social media. I also post on social media after the event, letting people know how it went and I usually see a bump in fundraising then.”
Say thank you to everyone who donates
Every single person who donates to Matt’s page receives a warm thank you. “I always make the thank you the same – whether someone donates $5 or $500. I treat everyone equally, and the message is that I’m grateful for every donation.”
It’s important to him that everyone feels safe to donate what they can, especially at a time when $5 may be a lot for some people. For supporters who contribute a significant amount, Matt sends a personalised thank you email, recognising the contribution they’ve made.
Shift your perspective on fundraising
Matt gets a lot of satisfaction out of fundraising, and he encourages every new fundraiser to give it a go. “I didn’t know I would enjoy it until I did it the first time,” he says. “I don’t see it as asking people for money, because all I’m saying is: ‘Here’s an opportunity to donate to a worthy cause.’
Most people donate even a few dollars to something each year – the Very Special Ride is one option that they can choose – and all I’m doing is letting them know about it. I also share what it means to donate to Very Special Kids, as there’s a strong affiliation for me.”
Share your why
Matt says he also shares what it means to donate to Very Special Kids with his network, as there’s a strong affiliation for him.
“The work that Very Special Kids does is close to my heart, in 2005 we were told that our daughter [Ashi] would most likely not survive after contracting meningococcal at 14 months old, whilst after five days in ICU Ashi recovered, that conversation will never leave me.
My aim is to be able to raise funds to contribute in some small way to parents and children who are navigating such a challenging time in their life.”
As a predominantly self-funded organisation, Very Special Kids relies on contributions from fundraisers like Matt, as well as the generous support of corporate partners like efm Logistics.
If you’d like to take on a challenge like Matt, check out our upcoming fundraising opportunities here.
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Something very special is coming!
September 4, 2024
We are excited to announce that on Tuesday 10 September, A Very Special Day, our fun, exciting and impactful annual matched giving day is returning.
For 24 hours only, any donation you make will be DOUBLED by generous matching partners – which means your kindness goes TWICE as far.
That’s double the impact and double the care for children with life-limiting conditions and their families. But remember, it’s for 24 hours only!
You can find out a little more in this video.
Your generosity on the day will help us continue to provide vital 24-hour paediatric palliative care to children like nine-year-old Luca, who is known affectionately as ‘Cuddly Koala’ because of his love of cuddles.
At just three weeks’ old Luca suddenly turned blue and his parents, Nadja and Marc, spent the next five nights in a newborn intensive care unit, praying he would survive.
Thankfully, Luca did survive. But it was just the beginning of many challenges for this brave little boy.
Over the next few months his condition began to deteriorate. Doctors told Nadja and Marc to prepare for the worst.
“We hoped it was just a one-off thing,” says Nadja. “But along the way, everything that would be a little problem for a normal kid, would end up being huge for Luca.”
The good news is, eight years later, Luca is here and smiling – thanks to kind people like you – enjoying his best life at the new and improved children’s hospice, Very Special Kids House.
Luca still hasn’t been given an official diagnosis, so every day is unknown for him and his family. This is why being able to rely on Very Special Kids for support is so important. Mum, Nadja, says:
“When I pick up Luca from Very Special Kids House, I know he’s had a great time, and I can give him so much extra love because I’ve had time to breathe.”
Your support this year can help ensure Very Special Kids House is always available to children like Luca and their families, 24 hours of the day, with free of charge respite care they can’t get anywhere else.
So please, add A Very Special Day to your calendar for Tuesday 10 September.
You can:
- Help spread the word – Share our communications with your networks – friends, family, neighbours, members of your community groups
- Help fundraise by setting up a fundraising page – Gather some very special people and find a fun way to fundraise ahead of the day, knowing all your contributions will be doubled. You can sign up a page at www.vsk.org.au/averyspecialday
- Donate on A Very Special Day – Have your impact doubled on the day! Donate at www.vsk.org.au/averyspecialday
Together, we can make this A Very Special Day to remember.
