Heart Throb

Founded 1994
President: Rhonda Schumann
Secretary: Jenny Gordon
Treasurer: Cheryl Miller

The Heart Throb Story

This group consists of mainly parents of children with Cardiac Disease. Most of these children have had heart transplants and others have chronic cardiac disorders. All of these children have very limited life spans. This group raises funds for an Annual Heart Camp. At the camp they are taught how to cope with their medication/treatment, and death. Funds are also raised for activities and computers for the cardiac unit.

Annual Report

We began 14 years ago by a group of Cardiac parents who wanted the camp to continue (there had been 2 previous camps) and do this we had to raise the necessary funds. Camp then and now is for children referred from the Cardiac Unit - 7 West who have had heart transplants, are waiting on a transplant or who have chronic heart conditions.

Our year has been the usual fun mixed with friendship and fundraising from our small in number but very loyal members who have played in the RCH gift shop each month as well as selling raffle tickets, stalls and merchandise.

Our 2007 camp was held in November at the Phillip Island Adventure Resort at Phillip Island with 40 intrepid campers and 15 fearless leaders. The camp began with a visit to the Eureka Skydeck and most of the campers experienced “The Edge”, as well as the Penguin Parade, a boat trip to Seal Rocks, Ten Pin Bowling to name a few of the activities.

Transfield once again provided the buses to and from Phillip Island and we would like to express our application for their continued support.

We would like to share camp reflections from one of the campers.

“I have been attending the Cardiac Camp for 7 years and every year, the thing I look forward to the most is the Cardiac Camp. Being there gives me a sense of freedom and a chance to feel normal. There are other kids there that need the same or more amount of care than I do, and I don’t feel afraid or embarrassed to get that treatment. I feel I can be myself. The nurses that attend treat you like a person, not a sick child and still provide the best quality care. They don‘t just provide medical care, but comfort and nurturing. Having the Cardiac Camp is a way letting chronically ill children have a chance of fun and happiness without worrying about their restrictions. I have made best friends there that I will be friends with for the rest of my life. They understand what I am going through, whereas most other kids don’t. Cardiac Camp is my sanctuary"

We could not achieve all we do without the special support of our friends at the Heart to Heart Auxiliary and especially Phyll & Louise. We wish our members and friends who have been unwell a speedy recovery.

We can only achieve our goals through the support of our dedicated members and very special supporters.

Last Updated 19-Sep-2008. Authorised by: Sue Manson. Enquiries: Sue Manson.