Committee

Amanda Keller, Patron

Paul Gallagher, President

Committee:

Paul Gallagher - President

I was a founding member of the Sydney Kids Committee (Young Christopher Robin Committee as it was known at inception) way back in 1993. For me there were a number of reasons why I had an interest in assisting to raise funds and contribute to better enhancing the health of the children admitted to Sydney Children’s Hospital.

Firstly my sister was born with 26 fractures and diagnosed with Oesteogenesis Imperfecta (O.I) or brittle bones.  I spent a considerable amount of my childhood visiting my younger sister Fiona when she was a patient at Prince of Wales Children’s Hospital (Now Sydney Children’s Hospital). It has been 37 years since then and treatments have changed but the role of charities hasn’t as the hospital still relies heavily on our support. Whilst my association with the hospital continues both professionally and personally our family still requires the services of the hospital now that my niece receives treatment for O.I the same condition her mum was born with.

I believe that my sister's illness dramatically influenced my life as I became a nurse and spent 7 years working at Sydney Children’s Hospital (1988 – 1995). My mother also played a significant part in my decision to raise money for the hospital. Mum was a member of the Christopher Robin Committee for 17 years and served a number of years as the president of this committee. This committee was one of the first significant charities to contribute funds to purchase medical equipment for the hospital. The committee was later recognised by the hospital by having a ward named after them. Furthermore my mother’s dedication and commitment to raising funds for the hospital did not go unnoticed as she was awarded an Order of Australia.

I enjoy being part of the committee and feel a sense of loyalty and pride in continuing to do so. Through my involvement with the committee I am proud to say that I am in awe of others you contribute to fundraising as members of the Sydney Kids Committee. These individuals would not have the same reasons I have to give back to the hospital but are more than happy to give up their time to help make a difference.

In looking back over the last 18 years, I am proud of the committee’s growth and achievements and am happy to have played a part in this.

Sarah Bowden

I am a Marketing Manager at Fairfax Digital and joined the Sydney Kids Committee in mid 2009. Having attended previous Rainbow Balls, and hearing the heartbreaking stories that many parents have been through, I decided to use my marketing skills and connections to give something back. I look forward to doing what I can to raise much needed funds for Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick.

Christopher Cosier

I joined the Sydney Kids Committee in 2007 after attending the Ball as a guest and being impressed with the work they do to raise funds for the Sydney Children’s Hospital. My personal experiences with the hospital have also inspired me to give back to the health care community that are always there to help in times when you need them so desperately.

Both my sisters have needed to use the services of the Sydney Children’s hospital. My first experience at the hospital was at the time of my nephew Scott being diagnosed with a brain tumour when he was 8 years old. I know how much my sister Merrilee and her family appreciated the dedication, expertise and support services they received over the many months up until his passing and even the counselling support they received afterwards. My little sister Adele spent nearly a month at the hospital when my nephew Haemon struggled to gain weight as a new born baby. I know how much Adele valued the support from the doctors and nurses who looked after her at this challenging time.

I am proud to support the efforts of the Sydney Kids Committee because I am so grateful for the wonderful team who work there to support families like mine on a day to day basis with such care and commitment. In my career as a Human Resource and Training Specialist I deal with people everyday and love the challenges of helping wherever I can to make a positive difference in their lives. I think there is great synergy with my skills at work and those I bring to helping the efforts of this special committee.

Michael Dever

The owner of True Blue Fundraising and a member of the Sydney Kids Committee since 2005.  As someone involved in the fund raising business for over 10 years, I was introduced to the other side of the fence by a long-term friend/committee member.  With the amazing work of the Children's Hospital as a guide, it was an interesting change of perspective for me to be on the inside looking out. With the energy and enthusiasm of the committee members, I knew I was onto a winner and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience while trying to use my skills in raising funds to the betterment of the Hospital.

Antonia Folden

I am a mum of 3 and an early Childhood Educator. I work, learn and play with happy, healthy children on a daily basis and I treasure what a gift this is! I joined the SKC after the 2007 ball, inspired by the team, the hospital staff and of course the courage of the children they support daily- I wanted to share in helping these children too.

Heidi Silva

Fiona Gallagher (who was an inaugural member of the Young Christopher Robin Committee) was the reason why I joined the committee way back in 1993.  Fiona was born with OI or brittle bone disease and I found her thirst for life in spite of her condition inspirational.  Fiona had invited me to attend the inaugural YCRC ball (The Bottecelli Ball) in 1993 and after the ball when they were looking for more committee members to join in their fundraising efforts I had no hesitation in joining. Since becoming a member of the committee I have held numerous positions - Assistant Treasurer, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer and now as a general member.   My time on the committee has enabled me to form many friendships, honed my event organising skills and given me an appreciation of the important work the staff at the Sydney Children's Hospital do on a day-to-day basis to help children and families in need.

Christopher Webber

Christopher Webber is a paediatric emergency paediatrician. He has been a staff specialist at Sydney Children's Hopsital since 1996. As well as being involved in the Sydney Kids Committee for a number of years he has a strong interest in medical education of doctors, nurses and paramedics. To relax he enjoys travel, especially overseas but also to the Sunshine Coast and Cambewarra Mountain, near Kangaroo Valley.