Latest news with #Telethon
Perth Now
03-08-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
Bathroom haven unveiled for WA kid who beat cancer
During a gruelling cancer treatment that left him with a third degree burn on his back, fevers and unable to walk, it was the bath where Noah Johnson found solace. Treatment became all-consuming when Noah was diagnosed with ewing sarcoma at just 11 years old, leaving him needing to endure 31 rounds of radiation and 14 rounds of chemotherapy. A stark image of Noah sitting in a hospital bath with a radiation burn the size of a dinner plate and so thin you could see his spine touched hearts around the State last year as Telethon raised a record $83.3 million for sick kids. A warm bath became a haven for the now 13-year-old during treatment — a space where he could zone out from a reality no kid should face. But the bath at his family home was so small the water would not even come up to his waist. Noah Johnson underwent 31 rounds of intense radiation treatment leaving him with third degree burns on his back. Credit: Unknown / Supplied Thanks to the Build Now Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation inspired by Telethon to help WA families, a new bathroom was unveiled for Noah on Friday including a bath so deep he can submerge his whole body. The charity supports families in need through building projects including making homes more accessible for children with disabilities or just creating a fun space for a sick kid. Noah could not wipe the grin off his face as he had his first bubble bath in the new bathroom, even fit out with a pillow and a holder for his iPad. 'The baths helped me. They meant a lot because that was my comfort zone and no one would disturb me when I was in the bath,' Noah said. 'The old bath was small and it would make me itchy. Noah, 12, was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma. Credit: Daniel Wilkins / The West Australian 'This bath is really cool and I really like how it has a pillow rest. I love it.' The bathroom has perks for the rest of his family as well with everything refitted including a new rain showerhead that Noah's stepdad can fit under. 'When Noah was in chemo he got that burn on his back and he found a love for having baths because it brought his temperature down and made him zone out from what was going on,' his mum Kristy Johnson said. 'Whenever he wasn't feeling well, he'd get in the bath and just stay in there for hours on end. 'Having the Build Now Foundation come in and help us and give him a new bath that he can fit in is just amazing.' Noah, with his mop of hair, is a far cry from just seven months ago, when the chemotherapy and radiation used to treat the cancer left him too weak to walk, with his weight dropping to just 35kg. He is now able to be a kid again, celebrating six months in remission on June 11. Noah said he was happy that he had been able to go to school more and see his friends but missed pranking the Perth Children's Hospital nurses. Noah Leaving a check up at the Perth Children's Hospital. Credit: Daniel Wilkins / The West Australian Stepdad Adam Jenkins said the family could finally smile again, admitting there were not many happy moments while Noah was undergoing treatment in 2024. 'He still gets a lot of muscle fatigue but he has his appetite back and building his muscle back up is the next step,' he said. 'Last year, there was a routine of work, hospital, treatment, fevers, tests — real down in the dumps and trying to cheer him up while we were trying to keep ourselves going as well. Noah has finished chemo but the bath still gives him some peace and comfort. Credit: Ross Swanborough / The West Australian 'Now we can actually smile again. There wasn't much smiling going on last year but it's great to come out through the other side.' Build Now Foundation founder Stephen Mansfield, who is also part of the Telethon Home Builder organisation group, said the fit-out was possible through the Reclab and Noah's local community, who helped raise funds. 'It's incredible to come in and redo their entire bathroom and now provide him with a big spa bath to be able to relax, have fun, and just be a kid and enjoy that time,' he said. Telethon will be held on October 18 and 19.
West Australian
03-08-2025
- Health
- West Australian
Kindy in the Nook: Telethon launches online extension of playgroup to cater for immunocompromised kids
When Summer Bindon was diagnosed with liver cancer just three days before Christmas, her family's world shifted in an instant. Instead of an exciting summer break, she was thrust into a whirlwind of chemotherapy, fentanyl drips and epidurals — a confronting reality no three-year-old should have to face. Her mum, Lex Bindon, said her daycare bag sat untouched at home, a quiet symbol of a childhood on pause. But now — thanks to a new Telethon-funded initiative — Summer is back at kindy, sort of. Kindy in the Nook, launched by the Kids Cancer Support Group and funded through Telethon donations, is a new online playgroup designed for children too sick to attend in person. It's a virtual classroom where little ones like Summer — and her best friend Lyder Thomas — can keep learning, but most importantly, stay connected to each other. It's a first-of-its-kind initiative for WA, and a lifeline for families living with the isolating impacts of childhood cancer. 'Seeing my daughter barely breathing, hooked up to every machine you can imagine, was heartbreaking,' Lex Bindon said. Summer and Lyder first met in the halls of Perth Children's Hospital — two tiny patients facing the unimaginable. Their bond deepened during in-person playgroups before illness kept them physically apart. Lyder, 4, has neutropenia — a rare blood disorder that leaves her extremely vulnerable to infections. There are times when she can't safely attend playgroup, but now, thanks to Kindy in the Nook, she doesn't have to miss out. 'Kids Cancer Support Group has helped Lyder live the best life possible, in the safest environment possible,' her mum Claudia Wade-Garcia said. Twice a week, Summer and Lyder now dial in to a colourful, screen-based kindy session. When the kids complete activities at home, their work is sent in and displayed next to the other kids, just like in a real classroom. The president of the Kids Cancer Support Group, Richard Nell, believes Kindy in the Nook is about far more than early learning — it's about inclusion, identity and resilience. 'The kids can sometimes be in hospital for weeks and months so if that happens, they can still continue to learn and still feel connected to a class and part of the community,' Mr Nell said. 'The kids build genuine friendships and bonds at their Kindy class and this way they can also still see their friends online. 'We believe in supporting sick children so they feel included, 'They experience so much isolation so early intervention of children's development to prevent them from getting behind in school when they miss so much from spending long periods in hospital is so important. 'We believe in showing the kids that they aren't defined by a cancer diagnosis, they are still included. 'They can still learn, play and grow, and they can still build friendships with their peers.' The virtual format mirrors the group's existing in-person playgroup, which already caters to immunocompromised children. But this one can travel — into homes, onto hospital wards, and into the daily lives of children who might otherwise be left behind.
Perth Now
03-08-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
First of its kind kids playgroup launches in WA
When Summer Bindon was diagnosed with liver cancer just three days before Christmas, her family's world shifted in an instant. Instead of an exciting summer break, she was thrust into a whirlwind of chemotherapy, fentanyl drips and epidurals — a confronting reality no three-year-old should have to face. Her mum, Lex Bindon, said her daycare bag sat untouched at home, a quiet symbol of a childhood on pause. But now — thanks to a new Telethon-funded initiative — Summer is back at kindy, sort of. Kindy in the Nook, launched by the Kids Cancer Support Group and funded through Telethon donations, is a new online playgroup designed for children too sick to attend in person. It's a virtual classroom where little ones like Summer — and her best friend Lyder Thomas — can keep learning, but most importantly, stay connected to each other. It's a first-of-its-kind initiative for WA, and a lifeline for families living with the isolating impacts of childhood cancer. 'Seeing my daughter barely breathing, hooked up to every machine you can imagine, was heartbreaking,' Lex Bindon said. Summer and Lyder first met in the halls of Perth Children's Hospital — two tiny patients facing the unimaginable. 4-year-old Lyder Thomas and 3-year-old Summer Bindon at Earlybirds Playgroup in Mt Hawthorn. Credit: Jackson Flindell / The West Australian Their bond deepened during in-person playgroups before illness kept them physically apart. Lyder, 4, has neutropenia — a rare blood disorder that leaves her extremely vulnerable to infections. There are times when she can't safely attend playgroup, but now, thanks to Kindy in the Nook, she doesn't have to miss out. 'Kids Cancer Support Group has helped Lyder live the best life possible, in the safest environment possible,' her mum Claudia Wade-Garcia said. Twice a week, Summer and Lyder now dial in to a colourful, screen-based kindy session. When the kids complete activities at home, their work is sent in and displayed next to the other kids, just like in a real classroom. The president of the Kids Cancer Support Group, Richard Nell, believes Kindy in the Nook is about far more than early learning — it's about inclusion, identity and resilience. 4-year-old Lyder Thomas and 3-year-old Summer Bindon at Earlybirds Playgroup in Mt Hawthorn. Credit: Jackson Flindell / The West Australian 'The kids can sometimes be in hospital for weeks and months so if that happens, they can still continue to learn and still feel connected to a class and part of the community,' Mr Nell said. 'The kids build genuine friendships and bonds at their Kindy class and this way they can also still see their friends online. 'We believe in supporting sick children so they feel included, 'They experience so much isolation so early intervention of children's development to prevent them from getting behind in school when they miss so much from spending long periods in hospital is so important. 'We believe in showing the kids that they aren't defined by a cancer diagnosis, they are still included. 'They can still learn, play and grow, and they can still build friendships with their peers.' The virtual format mirrors the group's existing in-person playgroup, which already caters to immunocompromised children. But this one can travel — into homes, onto hospital wards, and into the daily lives of children who might otherwise be left behind.
Miami Herald
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Overlooked senior dog in Texas shelter is ‘panicking' over a secret. Meet Gordon
A shy dog at a Texas shelter is done waiting for a home after spending over 140 days there, just hoping to be noticed. Meet Gordon, a beautiful senior German shepherd with a little secret that he needs to get off his chest, according to the Humane Society of El Paso. 'HSEP's 32nd annual Telethon is coming up fast, and Gordon has something to admit…' the shelter said in a July 28 Facebook post. 'Yes, he may be the most handsome guy in the shelter, but after all this time, he just has to come out and say it... Gordon has stage fright. This big, brave six-year-old German shepherd Dog is ready to confess that he does have one fear, and it's the camera. He's trying his best to get adopted before August 2 so he can avoid going on TV, because he's panicking just thinking about it.' Sure, even a lot of humans suffer from the dreaded stage fright or have a fear of public speaking — but luckily for Gordon, speaking has nothing to do with it. Unless, of course, he has that trick up his fur. 'As an older, vision-impaired pup, Gordon is someone often overlooked at the shelter. After 141 days in the shelter, Gordon's one of HSEP's longest residents, and everyone has been stuck wondering how,' the shelter said. 'While he's always been sweet as can be in the shelter, this smart guy also does great in the home, according to his previous foster.' Gordon is housebroken, a kid sort of dog, and so much more. But most of all — he loves with his whole heart. For more information, visit the shelter's website.
West Australian
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
AC Milan players visit Perth Children's Hospital ahead of Thursday nights clash against Perth Glory
There were hugs, high-fives and heartwarming smiles at Perth Children's Hospital on Monday as some of the world's biggest football stars traded in their boots for an afternoon of signing scarves and sharing stories. Italian football giants AC Milan, back in WA for a blockbuster clash with Perth Glory on Thursday, made a surprise stop at the hospital to lift the spirits of some of the State's bravest young patients. They also paid a visit to Telethon beneficiaries including Radio Lollipop, Starlight Children's Foundation and the Kids Cancer Support Group. Among the high-profile visitors were legendary players Samuele Ricci, Yunus Musah, Matteo Gabbia and Filippo Terracciano. Former AC Milan player Zeljko Kalac, who represented Australia on the international stage for over a decade as a Socceroo, also stopped by. Aspiring soccer player Tyler Stewart, 10, was over the moon after meeting the football stars and told The West Australian he would treasure the moment forever. 'This hand, I'm never going to wash it again . . . because I got all the high-fives on this hand,' he said. 'At first I felt shy, but then I just opened up my shell. I think they're my favourite team now . . . my favourite team before was Manchester City.' Tyler has had 12 surgeries on his legs — with number 13 looming — since being struck by a taxi while on holiday in New York on Christmas day. But he said it is all worth it after meeting the superstars today. 'I can't wait to tell my friends at school,' he said. For 11-year-old Mathew Scojceski — a lifelong AC Milan fan and childhood cancer survivor — the moment was something he'd dreamed of. '(I feel) special, like that I actually got to speak to them one-on-one and meet them in person. They were very cool and friendly, and they made me feel welcomed,' he said after chatting to Terracciano. Mathew, who underwent major spinal surgery in March, didn't hesitate to tip the scoreline for Thursday's match. 'I think it will be three-nil to AC Milan . . . AC Milan all the way,' he said. For Kalac — who spent five years at the storied club — he said making kids' faces light up is part of the job. 'Watching everything (AC Milan) do for kids and for charities, it's just a great, great club,' he said. 'For these guys that are professionals to come out, and no one complains about coming out doing all this, they really come out, because of what these kids are going through... they know they need to be there and support them and give them that energy and that inspiration. 'That's part of being a footballer . . . bringing so much joy to people's faces.' Musah, who first visited Perth with the team 18 months ago, said it was great to be back in town with some of WA's toughest little soldiers. 'It's been great coming back . . . it's a country where everyone welcomes us really well, and it's just a beautiful city,' he said. 'It's just nice getting to see how people are going through things in their life, and see how they're recovering and stuff and it's nice to be someone that can inspire them to heal. 'I know that when I was younger, I would have loved the same so it's nice to have that impact now.' Tourism Minister Reece Whitby said he thinks kids like Mathew and Tyler could teach the all-stars a thing or two about strength. 'These guys are some of the best players in the world — champions — and they've taken the time to talk to kids here at the hospital,' he said. 'The courage these kids show, the challenges they face... it's remarkable. They could probably teach these players a thing or two about how to play the game.' Thursday night's match at HBF Park marks AC Milan's second visit to Perth in as many years, after last year's game against Roma drew thousands to Optus Stadium.
