A Celebration of Life
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Founded: 2005
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President: Margaret Loughnan
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Secretary: Donna Aranyi
2005 Report
A Celebration of Life was created in 2002 by parents Chris and Sophie Clarke. Their daughter, Madeleine, was born with a severe case of Strep B and given only a 1% chance of survival when admitted to the Neonatal Unit (NNU) at The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne. Maddie defied the odds, thanks to the skill and dedication of the Neonatal Medical Team and is now a beautiful and happy three year old and big sister to brother James.
In honor of their gratitude to the NNU, A Celebration of Life was created by Chris and Sophie to assist specifically with the fundraising requirements of the NNU and hopefully make possible the equipment, resources and research that helps to make it one of the premier NNU’s in Australia, if not the world.
The Royal Children’s Hospital Neonatal Unit provides highly specialized care to the sickest newborn infants from all over Australia and the Pacific Islands.
Each year :-
- Over 600 babies are transferred to the NNU by the Newborn Emergency Transport Service (NETS).
- Over 40% of the babies undergo major surgery.
- Over 300 babies receive artificial ventilation via mechanical respirators.
- Most of the babies are seen by specialist doctors from the many medical disciplines available only at the Royal Children’s Hospital – Melbourne.
- The highly complex pediatric investigative services including MRI, CT scans, digital angiography, fluoroscopy, endoscopy, electroencephalography, metabolic and laboratory tests, echocardiography and cardiac catheter are not available at other hospitals.
A Celebration of Life is recognized as the primary fundraising entity for the NNU at The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne and comprises a Committee consisting of NNU & RCH staff, parents and supporters.
The Auxiliary was formed in 2005 to provide additional fundraising opportunities in support of the NNU will all monies raised being donated to this cause.
Please contact Donna Aranyi, NNU- Fundraising Manager on (03) 9345 4510 for further information.
New members always welcome!