I received a phone call from Kate who is the Acting Sponsorship Manager for SCH at Randwick.  Kate asked if we would like to Introduce Elizabeth to the Staff and Management of BigW NSW at the Big Heart Day Fundraiser. I told Kate that we would be honoured to attend and talk about Elizabeth’s Journey.  Elizabeth, Leslie and I decided that we would make something special so we put our thinking caps on and came up with two beautiful frames, one for the SCH - Randwick and the other for BigW.

 * Click for larger picture

On the day there were around 40 Big W Management and Staff from NSW who toured the hospital and met some of the children in the wards as well as the CICU unit.  They were overwhellmed and excited we could see it in their faces when we finally got to meet them. 

Professor Les White started talking followed by Elizabeth (SCH), Dr Grant (who is Elizabeths Surgeon) spoke about Several Heart Defects and presented us with some photos of Maria’s Operation and the equipment used.  Dr Grant spoke of the numerous heart conditions and how some of them are very complexed.  There was also a video conference with John, Cathy and a boy called Kane who lives in Wagga.  He had several operations when he was a baby and was in hospital for over 18 months as they dont have the facilities in Wagga for Cardiac children which is why we as Parents are so grateful for Sponsors like BigW, as for without there fundraising support and the support of the SCH our children wouldn’t have a chance of survival.

Elizabeth from SCH then Introduced Me, Elizabeth, Leslie and My family to everyone and it was then our turn to stand up and speak.  I was so nervous and decided to speak from the heart rather than a piece of paper with pointers on it. As usual I had height problems hahaha I stood infront of the podium and I could barely see anyone :)  Les White came over to push the little step they have for short people like myself, I was so embarassed but then I collected my thoughts and calmed down then talked about Elizabeths journey from the moment she was born, how she had breathing difficulties and how she was transported to SCH via nets etc.   * Please see Video below of the speech

Once again I would like to thank Sydney Children’s Hospital - Randwick for their continual support and  a BIG BIG thank you to BIGW who raised $400,000.  Leslie and I are very thankful as the Management/Staff of BigW make cakes and organise fundraisers, they even donate money from their wages to help our children.  I was so emotional and overwhellmed while I was talking and Im sure I was mumbling at one stage but Im sure that we touched their hearts by showing our gratitude and more so when I spoke of how complexed Elizabeths condition is and how she will be going in for her next operation soon.  They were Especially more suprised when we presented them with the frames.  We got a group shot of us with the BIGW staff and SCH as well as photos with Elizabeth and BigW, they will be posted in the Photo page Please have a look!!!

After our Speech Neil Cowie (State Manager of BigW NSW) presented SCH with the cheque and thanked everyone for their support for such a great effort in raising the money.  We then got a chance to talk to everyone while we had lunch and were able to really get to know such wonderful people.  They even got a chance to hold Elizabeth and take heaps of photos and videos.  Elizabeth was in her element, she lapped it up without a tear in her eye, its like she knew it was her day as she was posing for all the photos. 

Elizabeth would like to thank you all for taking your time to read her website, and please feel free to leave comments as we love getting some feedback.  Elizabeth appreciates all that has been done for her to keep her alive!!!

The event was published in the Southern Courier Issue 29th August 2006 on page 33    *  Please see article below