We at the Saints feel honoured to be playing North Melbourne in the second ever Kick For the Kids match, raising funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting bright and bubbly Arielle - the face of the 2018 Good Friday Appeal.
Along with coach Alan Richardson and other members of St Kilda’s executive team, we met Arielle at the launch of the Appeal and were touched by her story.
Visiting the RCH is always a moving experience for me because, like so many Victorians, my family has experienced firsthand the amazing work which is performed every day by the hospital’s incredibly talented and dedicated staff.
At the Good Friday Appeal launch I was reacquainted with Dr Robert Weintraub – the cardiologist who led the heart transplant procedure responsible for saving young Arielle’s life.
Rob was typically uncomfortable sharing the spotlight with this courageous four-year-old patient and quick to emphasise the teamwork of his medical colleagues who collectively performed the ground breaking medical miracle.
It was a little over 14 years ago when my wife D’Arne and I first met Dr Rob at a prenatal screen.
Our unborn child had a congenital heart defect which would not affect his development inside his mother’s womb, but would require repair via open heart surgery within his first week of life.
Since then, Dr Rob has been everything a family could wish for in a doctor – caring, forthright, curious, committed and unbelievably clever.
I remember in the days after our son was born hanging on Rob’s every word, the sense of anticipation every time he wandered through the ICU towards us as we sat by our son’s cot and the compassion he showed not just to us but also to our extended family during an incredibly stressful period.
Thanks to the amazing expertise and care of people like Rob Weintraub, our son recovered from the surgeries required to repair his cardiac condition and graduated from being a frequent flyer at the RCH to an annual outpatient visitor.
The RCH is a truly special place where miracles happen every day, but only with the ongoing support of the community.
Earlier this month, I was able to play a small role in giving back to the Hospital through Neil’s Wheel – a fundraising campaign led by 3AW’s Neil Mitchell.
I was one of many participants who were locked inside their own cabin on the Melbourne Star. The only way we were allowed out was by raising $10,000.
Joined by my son Jake and Trevor – St Kilda’s mas
cot – we were overwhelmed by the generosity of St Kilda supporters who helped us raise an incredible $25,000.
Now, we turn our attention to Good Friday, which is a big occasion for St Kilda fans but a far bigger one for the current, past and future patients of the Royal Children’s Hospital.
I know Saints supporters will be out in force on the day, digging deep to give that they may grow.
