Chances are, if you are reading this you live in the ACT.
Chances are, if you live in the ACT you know people who have to travel to Sydney for life-saving medical treatment.
Chances are, if you are a parent, the majority of these people have been children. If not your own, those of your friends and colleagues, or the friends, peers, and teammates of your kids. Children are disproportionately represented in the statistics for people who travel long distances for treatment.
This is a reality and casts no aspersions on the excellent medical teams in Canberra, but highlights the incredibly specialised treatments that are required for children suffering from acute and chronic illnesses.
As a parent, I consider myself incredibly lucky that Canberra’s facilities have been sufficient for the treatment of my children when required. Apart from that one trip, that one day trip to see a specialist in Sydney. Seemed like such a big deal at the time. But I am one of the lucky ones.
I have watched as friends have made regular trips to access specialised treatment, I have waited for news from those required to relocate for extended periods of time, and I have grieved when treatments have been unsuccessful. I have also watched as successive governments underfund hospitals and threaten privatisation of these services. Time to do my part.
So, on June 23 I will be shaving my head in support of the Sydney Children’s Hospital. As the main provider of specialised medical services for children from the ACT and regional NSW, they deserve the support of the ACT community. To borrow from ‘Love Your Sister’, they are part of our village. Every donation, large or small, can make a difference to the lives of these children and their families.
I would appreciate any contribution that you can offer. Any amount, large or small, gratefully accepted and equally appreciated. You will find the link below. Thanking you in advance.
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