Princess Margaret Hospital
Telethon Children - Where Are They Now?
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2007 Bridget Gilmour |
2006 |
2005 |
2004 Tayla Divitini |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
2000 |
1998 |
1993 |
1989 |
Bridget Gilmour
Ten year old Bridget Gilmour was selected as the 2007 Telethon Child. Born with a hereditary condition called Ectrodactyly, Bridget was born with a club foot, a tibia deficiency and two missing toes on her right foot.
After consideration of all options, her right leg was amputated at 14 months and Bridget has worn a prosthetic limb ever since. When she was about two and half, her parents became concerned that her speech was not progressing. Bridget was eventually diagnosed with a sensorineural hearing loss at a moderate to severe level – she doesn't hear high frequency sounds in either speech or other sounds. Bridget got hearing aids at four and started kindergarten at The Telethon Speech and Hearing Centre (TSHC).
Because of the late diagnosis she missed out on crucial early intervention and has worked really hard to get to where she is today – St Stephens School in Carramar. Bridget studies the normal school curriculum which is integrated with her TSHC school-based programme. Her absolute passion is music and she would rather listen to music than anything else. Bridget won the hearts of all those involved in Telethon in 2007 with her positive attitude and her wonderfully outgoing personality.
Tiegan Byram
Tiegan enjoys dancing, modelling and gym lessons. She is also an active participant in various school sports including cross-country events, one of which she had just run prior to her last appointment at PMH.
Tiegan has a genetic disorder called Incontinentia Pigmenti (IP - an uncommon disorder affecting females) which is associated with ocular, dental, skeletal, and central nervous system abnormalities.
Tiegan loves attention and is a great communicator. Each time Tiegan arrives at the clinic for her eye appointment, she greets the ward clerks with a big hug and a kiss, before making a beeline to their lolly jar! Tiegan's bubbly personality meant she had a fabulous 'Telethon' weekend socialising with celebrities.
Nicholas Travia
What were the most memorable moments for Nicholas being a Telethon Child?
Meeting Fat Cat, Dicko and Chris Hemsworth.
What does Nicholas enjoy most about school?
He is currently at Singleton Primary School and has joined the school football team and is enjoying it immensely.
What positive things from being the Telethon Child did Nicholas take away with him?
Developing a more positive attitude and understanding of what Telethon is for (not just him).
What are Nicholas' favourite hobbies/activities?
Football, playstation and hanging out with friends.
Are there any other ways in which Nicholas' life has changed since being a Telethon Child?
He continues to be himself. Nothing has really changed, except his understanding of how lucky he is.
Tayla Divitini
What were the most memorable things for Tayla about being a Telethon Child?
Meeting all the celebrities and stars and the wonderful group of people involved in helping all the sick and disabled children in WA. Tayla has made a lot of new friends and it's made such a positive impact on her life!
How is Tayla enjoying school?
Tayla's at a new school: Beechboro Christian Primary School and loves it! Tayla has made a lot of new friends and the teacher's aids, helpers, parents and kids are all kind and caring. Next year is Tayla's first year of high school at Swan Christian College and she will be a Student Councillor.
What positive things have impacted on Tayla's life since being Telethon Child?
People's responses have changed a lot from stares, pointing, pity and negative comments to now "that's our Tayla the Telethon Child". It's been a wonderful experience and we feel very blessed to have such a special little girl!
How is the management of Tayla's health issues progressing?
Tayla's health issues are ongoing. She's doing very well after her recent operation on her legs and hip. She has had wonderful help from hospital therapists, doctors and aids etc. Recently Tayla slipped during filming on her Channel 31 show and fractured a vertebrae. She is well now though.
What are Tayla's favourite hobbies/activities?
Tayla loves singing at Ellenbrook Community Youth Performance Group, shopping, going to the movies, shows, pets, playing with Roxy her new rabbit, travel and loves going on holidays.
Are there any other ways in which Tayla's life has changed since being a Telethon Child?
Thanks to PMH and Telethon very much for selecting Tayla as a Telethon Child. She has her pet segment on Access 31, every couple of weeks. The segment is "On the Couch". She has also joined the Variety Youth Choir, who fundraise for a young quadriplegic man every year.
Annie Shreeve
What were the most memorable things for you about being a Telethon Child?
The most memorable things from Telethon were meeting celebrities, experiencing behind the scenes of Channel 7 studios and getting the opportunity to make an advertisement.
In what ways did your experience as Telethon Child have a positive impact on your life?
Telethon has had a very positive impact on my life as it has increased my confidence and self esteem.
How is the management of your health issues progressing?
Everything is going well. In 2003 my mum was managing my health very closely but now I manage 95% of my health regime with the occasional help from mum.
What are your favourite hobbies/activities?
I still love lacrosse.
Natasha Haederle
What were the most memorable things for Natasha about being a Telethon Child?
Telethon Weekend – getting dressed up for TV. She enjoyed the attention at school and other activities.
What positive impact did her experience as Telethon Child have on Natasha’s life?
Natasha was beginning to encounter problems with socialising at school as a consequence of having a hearing impairment. With Telethon, she suddenly became very popular. This made her last six months of life enjoyable, until she became very sick.
In your words, what were the things that made Natasha special?
Her warmth and zest for life. Ability to charm people she met.
Is there anything else about Natasha that you would like to share?
Being a Telethon Child was very enjoyable for Natasha and she enjoyed the attention. Natasha died not long after the Telethon weekend. The excitement and attention was a wonderful bonus for her last few months.
David Naso
What were the most memorable things for David about being a Telethon Child?
David loved meeting all of the stars. He was very interested in the entertainment industry. He asked them all a lot of questions. He also loved being on television during a live interview with Geoff Newman. He held up his security badge and told everyone "I'm a VIP ". It was priceless.
Is David currently at school?
David is at Servite College. He loves it!
What positive impact did being Telethon Child have on David’s life?
David was only 8 years old so at the time he loved the fact that everyone knew him wherever he went. He loves a chat and people would ask him lots of questions about Telethon and the stars. People still recognise him in the street today and say "Hi". It's so nice.
The single most wonderful thing to happen was that parents who had younger children even babies with cerebral palsy contacted me (Kerry – David's mum) and told me that they had loved David on Telethon and that he inspired them so much. It doesn't get any better than that!
How is the management of David's health issues progressing?
Twelve is a tough age to have cerebral palsy when it's all about looking cool. Having to wear splints on your legs is "so not cool". Health wise though, David is doing fine.
What are David's favourite hobbies/activities?
Definitely the West Coast Eagles. He loves them so much. He also likes singing and dancing.
Are there any other ways in which David's life has changed since being a Telethon Child?
David feels very lucky that he was the Telethon Child and is very proud to be an ambassador for Telethon for the rest of his life.
Chloe and Holly Kneale
What were the most memorable things for Chloe and Holly about being Telethon Children?
Meeting Fat Cat, Jeff Newman and Basil Zempilas.
Are Chloe and Holly currently at school and are they enjoying it?
They are currently in year 3. They love school, especially recess and lunch!
What positive impact did being Telethon Children have on the girls’ lives?
Recognition in the community!
What are Chloe and Holly's favourite hobbies/activities?
Bike riding, the park, rollerblading, swimming, playing on the monkey bars. They are very active!
Tamara Brereton
What were the most memorable things for you about being a Telethon Child?
Meeting all the wonderful people who help put Telethon together. Meeting the celebrities, reading donations out on the panel and knowing I was able to help in some way all the other sick kids.
What positive impact did being Telethon Child have on your life?
People still recognise me as the Telethon Child and it's good because I am well, I am able to demonstrate what Telethon can do to help.
How are you managing your health issues now?
I don't have any problems any more, though the scar and screws in my head don't let me forget my experience.
Are you currently working or studying?
I'm studying psychology and criminology and dance choreography.
What are your hobbies?
Dancing, singing, drama, anything outdoors and hanging out with family and friends.
What personal achievements have you made since being Telethon Child?
Completing a full time performing arts course in Sydney 2005 and doing various performances. Getting into University.
Are there any other ways in which your life has changed since being a Telethon Child that you would like to share?
I'm healthier. Ha! Ha! Ha! I'm just so happy being alive, and I look forward to continuing my support for Telethon. I can not thank my doctors, surgeon, nurses etc ENOUGH!
Amy Munro
What were the most memorable things for Amy about being a Telethon Child?
Receiving a police motorbike (battery operated ride on). Being scared of Fat Cat and meeting Edward, the other Telethon Child in 1993. Amy's brother Luke enjoyed a ride on the Channel 7 helicopter.
What does Amy enjoy at school?
Amy is in year 10 and enjoys a busy social life (not study) and likes English class.
What positive impact did being Telethon Child have on Amy’s life?
The whole family enjoyed the experience. Amy was only 2, so she doesn't have strong memories, however the whole experience was positive.
How is the management of Amy's health progressing?
Amy is well and has had her kidney transplant for 13 ½ years now. She received her kidney from her dad on 8/2/1993 and was Telethon Child later that year.
What are Amy's favourite hobbies/activities?
Amy plays netball for Kardinya Netball Club. She enjoys writing, listening to music and reading.
Are there any other ways in which Amy's life has changed since being a Telethon Child?
Since receiving her kidney transplant in February 1993, Amy has lead a very normal life and enjoyed a normal childhood. She is a fit and active social 15 ½ year old with many friends and activities.
Holly Clarke
What were the most memorable things for you about being a Telethon Child?
The most memorable things about being a Telethon Child were being able to meet John Farnham, Danni Minogue, Fat Cat and all the other stars. The list of stars that I met is too large to mention every name.
What positive impact did being Telethon Child have on your life?
I still get recognised by people when I go out even though I was five years old when I was on Telethon. That was seventeen years ago!
How are you managing your health issues now?
At the moment my health issues are under control. But I have to keep an eye on my weight because the heavier I get the more difficult it is to walk and transfer from my wheelchair.
Are you currently working?
Yes, I am working at the moment as a Call Centre Operator and am really enjoying the job. The people are really kind and fun to work with and they understand my condition.
What are your hobbies?
My hobbies are listening to music, going to the movies, concerts and shopping. I like doing all these things with my friends and my father and sister.
What personal achievements have you made since being Telethon Child?
I have been on a lot of family holidays to Europe and Asia. In the late 1990's, my family and I lived in Papua New Guinea and I attended the local school there.
Are there any other ways in which your life has changed since being a Telethon Child?
My life has changed a lot since being a Telethon Child. I have volunteered in the phone rooms on the Telethon weekend. I still keep in contact with Keith Geary and Sharon Dale who were in the videos with me that were made for the ads leading up to the Telethon weekend in 1989.
