Little hero advocates major support for sick kids

WORDS: Brittany Butler PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied

Easter Appeal to raise funds for the Gold Coast’s sickest kids.

At just eight years old, Beau Andersen’s journey is mobilising the Gold Coast community to support the Children’s Hospital Foundation this Easter, shining a light on the lives of children battling chronic conditions.

From the moment Beau arrived in the world, his mum, Tiffany knew something wasn’t right. Struggling to breathe, feed and gain weight, their journey quickly took a turn.

At just two weeks old, following a routine heal prick test, Beau was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis – a chronic life- threatening condition.

“We were completely shocked when we received the call about his abnormal test result. Hearing the diagnosis and learning about the treatments was overwhelming, especially with Beau being so young,” Tiffany recounted.

Despite his diagnosis, Beau has shown remarkable resilience, spending countless days in and out of hospital for treatment.

“Children’s Hospital Foundation’s programs have been incredible, offering Beau moments of happiness and much- needed distraction from his daily routines,” Tiffany added.

As the official Gold Coast ambassador for the Children’s Hospital Foundation Easter Appeal, Beau and his family are leading the charge, encouraging the community to contribute to this cause through shopping at Woolworths this Easter.

100% of donations to Children’s Hospital Foundation made at Gold Coast Woolworths stores will go towards the Queensland Children’s Hospital to ensure Queensland kids like Beau receive the best possible care and treatment – when it is needed most.

Since 2016, Woolworths customers have raised almost $675,000 for sick Gold Coast children through the Easter Appeal.

Children’s Hospital Foundation CEO, Lyndsey Rice is thrilled to see Woolworths lend a hand to support the Children’s Hospital Foundation Easter Appeal, to ensure the Queensland Children’s Hospital can continue to deliver world- leading care for our state’s children.

“Through shopping at Woolworths this Easter, you can make a genuine difference in the care and treatment that children and their families receive at the Queensland Children’s Hospital each and every day,” Ms Rice said.

Queensland Children’s Hospital was recently recognised by Newsweek as the 10th best paediatric hospital in the world – the highest ranked in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere.

“Whether you live in Cairns, Mount Isa or Gold Coast, we want Queensland families to know that their child will receive the best possible care and treatment when facing the unimaginable,” Ms Rice added.

“A $2 donation on check-out can make a huge impact for sick kids and we are incredibly humbled to have the support of the Woolworths community once again in 2024.”

Queensland Children’s Hospital treats the state’s sickest and most critically injured children. Each year, there are approximately 1,774 inpatient admissions, 12,548 outpatient admissions and 611 emergency department presentations from children in the Gold Coast region.

Woolworths General Manager in Queensland, Danny Baldwin, said: “Since 2016, our Queensland customers continue to exceed expectations in their generous and steadfast support of organisations like the Children’s Hospital Foundation through the annual Easter Appeal.”

“This is a great example of how a little good can add up and have a huge impact on the lives of sick kids and their families across the state.”

Woolworths customers will be able to purchase a $2 egg-shaped wall token or donate to the Children’s Hospital Foundation to benefit Queensland Children’s Hospital at all Woolworths stores across Gold Coast until 2 April 2024.

For more information on the Children’s Hospital Foundation, visit www.childrens.org.au.

About the Children’s Hospital Foundation

Children’s Hospital Foundation is here to be the difference every kid deserves. We fund cutting-edge equipment, vital research and on-the-ground support for kids with all illnesses, injuries and conditions.

For more about the Children’s Hospital Foundation, visit www.childrens.org.au.