Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation

25/09/2025

Not everyone can make it to the AFL Grand Final this weekend, but we have an even better way to show your support. By purchasing a virtual seat with Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation, you’ll be helping the 169,000 sick and injured kids who rely on Sydney Children's Hospitals Network each year.

Each symbolic seat helps get sick kids back to doing what they love – back to learning, back to playing, and back in the stands cheering on their team.

Your support helps fund new equipment, groundbreaking research and vital programs that make a real difference for sick kids and their families. Whether you buy one seat or a corporate box, every contribution helps create a brighter, healthier future for children.

Purchase your virtual seat: https://brnw.ch/21wW4yw

24/09/2025

The ballot for the TCS Sydney Marathon 2026 is officially open!

This is your chance to join Team SCHF and take part in one of the most prestigious running events in the world. As part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, the TCS Sydney Marathon is the seventh major — and the only one in Australia! On Sunday 30 August 2026, you can hit the streets of Sydney and experience this incredible course while making a difference for sick kids and their families.

Don't miss your chance to be a part of something bigger. Enter the ballot today for your chance to join Team SCHF:

It’s time to hit the streets and change the future for sick kids. Join Team Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation (SCHF) for The TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS Sunday 30 August 2026 to support the frontline of children’s healthcare across Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, including...

23/09/2025

When three-year-old James came down with what seemed like a cold, his mum Yvonne didn’t think much of it. But within days, everything changed. James suddenly lost his ability to walk. Terrified and desperate for answers, Yvonne took him to the Emergency Department at The Children's Hospital at Westmead.

Despite numerous tests, the cause of James' condition was unclear. Then, through a cutting-edge biomarker blood test developed at the hospital, they finally had answers. James was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune condition, where his immune system was attacking his brain and spinal cord.

Treatment began immediately, and James spent months recovering and rebuilding. Thanks to world-leading research, expert care and life-saving treatment, James is now back to being a bright, curious, and happy little boy.

The Sydney Sick Kids Fund exists to make stories like James’ possible. By donating, you are helping to fund the research, treatments and care that can change the future for sick kids.

Donate to the Sydney Sick Kids Fund today: https://brnw.ch/21wW0pv

22/09/2025

We are proud to celebrate our incredible volunteer, Tracy Cross, who was a finalist for Volunteer of the Year at the Third Sector Awards 2025.

The Third Sector Awards are the largest and most prestigious awards recognising excellence within the not-for-profit sector. Tracy’s nomination is a testament to his generosity, commitment, and the meaningful impact he has made through his volunteer work at Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation (SCHF).

Reflecting on this honour, Tracy said: “I feel overwhelmed to have been nominated for this award and I thank all involved. I thank all the SCHF staff and volunteers. Together, we can make a difference to the lives of sick children. I'm... all in for kid's health!"

Congratulations Tracy on this well-deserved recognition. We are so grateful for his dedication and passion in supporting sick kids and their families.

19/09/2025

Across Sydney Children's Hospitals Network (SCHN), there were more than 100,000 emergency department presentations last year. With so many children needing urgent care, it is vital that emergency teams are prepared to respond.

The Emergency Department Critical Care Simulation Program at Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick provides this preparation. Since 2015, emergency department staff have practised real-life procedures and emergency drills using manikins, actors and smart technology. These simulations create the pressures and challenges of real-world emergencies, but without risk to children.

Over the years, funding from Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation has helped to build the Simulation Program. This support has enabled 2,600 hospital staff to continue improving their knowledge, teamwork, leadership and communication with families during these high-pressure situations. Dr Chris Webber, Director of Emergency at Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick explains: "Training staff and providing the latest technology puts Sydney Children's Hospitals Network at the forefront of quality healthcare for our kids."

This preparation means that when children like Roza arrive at the emergency department, the team is ready. Roza was rushed to Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick after a febrile seizure. For her mums, there was enormous relief in seeing a team who were calm, focused and ready to save their daughter's life. Simulation training helps give frontline staff the skills and confidence to approach these situations with the focus and assurance that families like Roza's depend on.

This Healthcare Simulation Week, we are recognising the important role of simulation in preparing healthcare teams to deliver the best possible care. Thanks to the generosity of our donor community, programs like this continue to support the training and development of healthcare staff.

18/09/2025

Paediatric medicine is constantly evolving. Clinical trials and advanced therapies are transforming precision care for kids, making treatments safer, more effective, less invasive, and personalised to each child’s needs.

At The Children's Hospital at Westmead, oncologist Dr Steven Keogh is leading the way in blood transplant and cellular therapies. “Sickle cell anaemia is a genetic disease… A bone marrow transplant is the only curative therapy for sickle cell disease,” said Dr Keogh.

Drawing on many years of research, Dr Keogh and his colleagues use precision care to calculate the exact chemotherapy dose each child needs before a receiving bone marrow transplant, giving them the base chance of cure.

Together, we can advance precision care for kids. Learn more: https://brnw.ch/21wVTKy

18/09/2025

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder that can have a big impact on someone’s life when left untreated. For children, it can mean a relentless cycle of intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours that can interfere with daily life and learning.

Thanks to the generosity of Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation donors, the OCD Bounce clinic is changing this reality. With a dedicated team providing specialist, wraparound care close to home, children are staying out of hospital, remaining engaged in school and finding ways to reconnect with the things that matter most.

But we urgently need your help to continue supporting life-changing programs like this. A donation to the Sydney Sick Kids Fund helps ensure children with OCD and other serious illnesses can access the care they need — closer to home and right when they need it most.

Support the Sydney Sick Kids Fund today: https://brnw.ch/21wVS0f

17/09/2025

A Bear Affair 2025 was a truly unforgettable evening that brought our community together in support of Bear Cottage. Together, we raised over $820,000, helping ensure that children with life-limiting conditions and their families receive the care and support they need.

The night was nothing short of magical – filled with heart, generosity and purpose. We extend our sincere thanks to the A Bear Affair Committee for their unwavering dedication to making this event possible – Lesley Montgomery (Chair), Amy Firth, Adam Macdessi, Bronwen Simmons, Christopher Humphries, Gillian Gale, Jean Hay AM, Jane Lavis, Kira Zoe Casey, Sharon Maroun, and Sonja Mole.

To our presenting partner, Tony McCullough Foundation, our platinum partner, Earthworx Group, our gold partner, Truckmate Australia, our silver partners, Tribeca, Earthing Solutions, and IGM Group, our bronze partners, Qantas, Provident Project Management, Henry & Hymas, Device Technologies, and Sukin Australian Natural Skincare, our beverage sponsors, Calabria Family Wines and 4 Pines Brewing Company, our jewellery partner, House of K'dor, and our major prize donors, Château Tanunda, King Living, Da Orazio Pizza + Porchetta, Pearls of Australia, and Addicted to Maldives – thank you for your generosity, your commitment, and for standing with us to support Bear Cottage.

On the night, we were deeply moved by the words of Amy Harper and James Lovell, who reminded us so beautifully of the reason we were gathered – to support Bear Cottage and the children and families who rely on its care. It was an honour to be joined by so many Bear Cottage families, whose presence was a powerful reminder of the impact this community makes together.

A special mention to our emcees, Jayne Azzopardi and Sean Maloney from Channel 9, and auctioneer, Toby Llewellyn, who brought warmth, energy and heart to the evening, helping to create a truly memorable celebration in support of Bear Cottage.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being a part of this remarkable evening and for celebrating the magic of giving with us. Together, we are making a difference for Bear Cottage and the families who rely on its extraordinary care.

16/09/2025

We are proud to share that the Westmead Feelings Program team has been recognised at the AccessCR Consumer Partnership in Research Awards, receiving the Judge’s Choice Award in the Excellence in Consumer Partnership in Non-Commercial Research category.

The Westmead Feelings Program is the first evidence-based program in Australia focused on improving emotional skills in children with autism. The program includes a suite of therapeutic materials that health, education, and disability professionals can use to support autistic children, equipping them with strategies to regulate emotions, build confidence, and connect with others.

We would like to recognise the Woodhead Family Benefaction, whose generosity and commitment have enabled the program to expand and reach more children and families living with autism.

This award is a reminder of what is possible when lived experience, research and philanthropy come together. Learn more about the program here: https://brnw.ch/21wVMWm

15/09/2025

For 20 years, The Children’s Help Foundation has stood alongside Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation, making an extraordinary difference for sick kids and their families across the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network. Their generosity has brought comfort, hope and the chance for sick kids to keep dreaming, even through the toughest days.

We are honoured to celebrate this remarkable 20-year partnership and are deeply grateful for the unwavering commitment of The Children’s Help Foundation. We look forward to many more years together, continuing to change the future for children in need.

12/09/2025

Every day across the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, no two stories are the same. Some families are celebrating their child being well enough to go home, while others are standing strong through long and difficult treatments.

What unites them is the support they receive from people like you. The Sydney Sick Kids Fund is the lifeline that makes this possible – flexible funding that ensures care can reach children wherever and whenever it is needed most.

By giving to the Sydney Sick Kids Fund, you are joining a community creating real change for sick kids and their families. Your generosity could provide breathing support for newborns, strength for children in chemotherapy, and expert clinical care at the bedside.

The Sydney Sick Kids Fund is a powerful way of showing just how far your generosity can go. Donate today: https://brnw.ch/21wVGEy

10/09/2025

We know that even the smallest moments of joy can make a big difference for sick and injured kids. Thanks to a generous donation of more than 200 handmade activity packs to the Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation Art Program, children across the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network have something special to distract, engage and comfort them while waiting for appointments or surgery.

These colourful packs were lovingly created by students from Mosman Public School through Kids Giving Back — a charity empowering the next generation of generosity through hands-on volunteering programs for kids and families. Each pack was personalised with its own drawing, making them thoughtful, creative and truly one-of-a-kind.

We are so grateful to Kids Giving Back and Mosman Public School for bringing colour, creativity and kindness into hospital, and helping make a tough day a little brighter.