Transplant Australia is thrilled to announce it has received support from the Channel 7 Telethon Trust to support the Transplant Active children, teens and family program in Western Australia.
The grant will support the delivery of a weekend activity camp for West Australian children who have received a life-saving transplant, while also providing an opportunity for parents and siblings to connect and join in some of the fun.
“Young people who have received a life-saving transplant face ongoing health challenges. Some recipients have been living with chronic illness for an extended period and may have already missed out on many typical childhood experiences like going on school camp or participating in sport,” said Chris Thomas, CEO of Transplant Australia. “Building confidence in physical activity and establishing a peer support network helps young people transition through their teen and early adult years and results in better long term physical and mental health outcomes.”
Alana Prince’s son Jake received a life-saving transplant in 2020 at the age of 13, requiring extended visits to Sydney’s Westmead Hospital away from friends and family. In 2022, Jake attended his first Transplant Australia camp.
“It is a challenging and at times lonely experience, but we are so grateful for the peer network in the Transplant Australia community,” said Alana. “Connecting with other families in Perth with similar experiences has been so valuable, not just for my son but for the whole family. Jake is more confident and accepting of his condition. He is healthier and happier and that’s all any parent wants.”
“This is the first time that Transplant Australia has received support from Telethon and it’s a wonderful endorsement of the tireless work by Transplant Australia’s staff and voluntary committee,” said Transplant Australia WA Chair, Troy Scudds. “We are so proud to have Transplant Australia recognised as part of the Telethon family.”
The camp will be held at Kerem Adventure Centre, Bullsbrook 6-8 December 2024 and is open to all children living with organ and tissue transplants in Western Australia. For further information about the camp email juile.scudds@transplant.org.au
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