Each year, this local health charity makes an overwhelming difference to the lives of patients and their families receiving care within the region’s health services.
Now, Wishlist has launched its fourth annual Wishlist Giving Day – a 12-hour digital fundraising appeal on March 23 that always attracts generous support from the community.
This year’s Wishlist Giving Day ambassador is five-year-old Archer Howe, who was born with two rare genetic conditions – Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS) and Hirschsprung’s Disease – which threaten to cut short his young life every day.
The Tewantin boy was born at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH) to parents Summer Wallbank and Tom Howe, but stopped breathing soon after birth and was rushed into intensive care.
What followed was nine months of life-saving care for Archer and the scary prospect of an unknown future.
He had surgery at just four days old, then another surgery to insert a tracheostomy to allow him to breathe.
“Archer’s breathing problems are due to CCHS, a condition which affects the nervous system and the brain’s ability to regulate breathing,” Ms Wallbank said.
In December 2021, Archer’s parents received the happy news that their boy could finally return home because Wishlist had purchased inter-hospital transfer equipment for the Critical Care Unit at SCUH, worth $130,000.
“Every night, a specialised nurse comes to our home to monitor Archer as he sleeps because he has to be connected to a ventilator for life support – if this is dislodged during his sleep, he can’t breathe,” Ms Wallbank said.
This year Wishlist hopes to raise more than $200,000 to fund a long list of ‘wish list’ items including medical equipment, patient support services, research and hospital accommodation for those needing to travel for medical treatment.
Wishlist partnerships and fundraising manager Lisa Wilson said the appeal was similar to a telethon where volunteers and businesses call their networks to donate to Wishlist on one day only.
“Wishlist Giving Day is the community’s only chance to make double the difference during this special 12-hour appeal,” Ms Wilson said.
She said that thanks to generous corporate partners, every donation gifted on March 23 would be matched.
“That means every dollar you give is doubled to make a very real difference to local patients and families,” she said.
“Individuals, businesses and teams are encouraged to set up a fundraising page and give a little and help a lot on this memorable day.
“You could organise a crazy dress-up day, bake sale, raffle or even come into Wishlist Giving Day Headquarters at SCUH on the day to be part of our volunteer caller team.”
Create a Wishlist Giving Day team or make a donation on Wishlist Giving Day at wishlist.org.au.
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