Media Release: Melbourne supports a grassroots cause [www.tlcforkids.org.au]
Media Release: 13 October 2010
Melbourne supports a grassroots cause, with the help of 3AW 693 & Magic 1278
October 18th, 6am-6pm
If your child has ever been seriously ill, injured or is disabled, you’ll be very aware of the terrifying experiences they have to endure in hospital, which are of course, just as scary for parents. Now add the pressure of being a single mum, living many hours from a major hospital, and playing the role of not only mother but carer.
Shirley McKernan and her beautiful little four year-old daughter, Matilda, are an amazing team. Matilda has a neuromuscular condition which means she is bound to a wheelchair, and has physical and developmental disabilities. Shirley is what you would call a supermum, taking the challenges in her stride and making her whole life about her three kids. Naturally, Matilda requires more of her attention, but most parents couldn’t hold a candle to the level of involvement this amazing woman has with her children, and she humbly states she feels nothing but privileged.
It’s no secret that there is phenomenal demand for support within the healthcare network across Australia. Each year, over 1.8 million Australian hospital admissions are for children under 15 years, all undergoing medical examinations and procedures. Parents like Shirley need support, and they rely on a small, Flemington-based organisation called TLC for kids.
With the help of their loyal supporters and sponsors, TLC for kids provides free services that help these children get through the pain, fear and stress of these experiences to make them as positive and comfortable as possible. Currently TLC’s services benefit a staggering 28% of these 1.8 million kids, nationwide.
Recently, Shirley was able to finally save the funds to modify her vehicle to be able to transport Matilda from home in Wodonga. TLC for kids covered the cost of a hire car for Shirley whilst her car was being modified for a 2 week period.
TLC for kids provides the kind of support that really matters to these families. In Shirley’s own words, “TLC for kids is doing amazing things for families doing it tough, and unfortunately this kind of support wouldn’t exist without them. If it weren’t for TLC for kids, parents would be sitting in a corner crying, not knowing what to do.”
This Monday, October 18th, long-time supporters 3AW 693 and Magic 1278 have teamed up to run a LIVE RADIOTHON for the charity, giving listeners the opportunity to make a donation by phoning in. The appeal will run from 6am – 6pm, and could potentially raise enough funding to assist hundreds of kids and families in hospital.
Listen live on Monday as the families share their stories, and as the Melbourne community comes together to support a vital service. Donations can be made by calling 1300 361 461.
Media contact:
Olivia Smith, Marketing Manager, TLC for kids. | Tel: 0402 044 811, Email: Olivia@tlcforkids.org.au
