Gifting more everyday moments

Every day we experience simple moments; going for a morning run, a laugh over lunch with colleagues, making a cup of tea, dinner with our family. For families facing life-limiting illnesses, these simple moments take on extraordinary importance.

For Western Australians like Ava, Tatiana, and Andrew, the ‘everyday’ is even more special.

Precious moments for families like Ava’s

“If it weren’t for the investment in medical research, neither of our children would be here today.”
– Ava’s mum, Tahnae Hammond

Ava wasn’t breathing when she was born and needed immediate resuscitation, her little life hanging in the balance.

Ava was severely anaemic and not breathing at birth due to an undiagnosed placental tear.

Two years later when Ava’s brother Logan was born, he also experienced complications at birth and had to undergo emergency brain cooling to prevent brain damage.

Thanks to the research-informed team at Fiona Stanley Hospital, today, Ava and Logan are perfectly healthy and happy, now age six and four.

Tatiana’s inspiring story of survival

“Heart and lung research has given me another chance at life.”

Born with a rare heart defect known as Truncus Arteriosus which left her with seriously low oxygen levels, Tatiana’s parents were told she wouldn’t make it past her teens.

Although it was always in the back of her mind that she would need a transplant, Tatiana lived a relatively normal life until at 43, Tatiana was given just 12 months to live. Thankfully, at 44, Tatiana received a lifesaving double heart and lung transplant right here in WA. She has just celebrated her 62nd birthday surrounded by friends and family.

Andrew’s battle with testicular cancer

“It’s important for us all to remember that tough times come and go but they make you stronger.”

Andrew noticed a pea-sized lump in his testicle but decided to tell no one – not even his fiancée – despite the lump’s alarming growth and suspicions of what it might be. At only 33, Andrew’s worst fears were confirmed with a testicular cancer diagnosis.

Thanks to the incredible power of cancer research and care, Andrew is on the road to recovery and determined to share his story to help others like him who may be facing a similar, life changing diagnosis.

Together, we can fight for more everyday moments for all Western Australians.

Your donation this Christmas funds life-changing research to find cures and improve care, right here in WA. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, brings us closer to a world where everyone can live life to the fullest.