In memory of their son Finnan Maximus Camplin-Warner, Alisa and Oliver Camplin-Warner today made another significant donation to support critically ill babies at The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH). This brings the overall tally of donations made by Finnan’s Gift to more than $2 million.
The Camplin-Warners presented a $150,000 cheque for the purchase of three hybrid infant warmers. These new infant warmers will enable families and staff to have closer contact with critically ill babies, while providing all necessary resuscitation and care equipment immediately at hand.
At the presentation, Johnny Millar, Head of Cardiac ICU said, “The patients we see in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit are very sick and are often born prematurely, which means there is an increased risk of complications. Being able to support these incredibly vulnerable patients with the infant warmers is an enormous step forward in patient care.
“The device provides one platform that protects the baby’s environment but also if we need to, we can do procedures right up to surgery without having to move the baby.
“Thank you so much to Finnan’s Gift, which is not only helping children and their families through their treatment, but also helping clinicians in how they can deliver the best care.”
At the presentation, Alisa spoke with the family of six month old RCH patient, Joshua. Joshua was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and by 14 weeks of age had undergone two life-saving heart operations.
Incredibly, during his time in hospital, Joshua benefited from six out of the last eight pieces of equipment donated by Finnan’s Gift to the RCH.
“We had no idea of the incredible impact that these donations have had on Joshua’s care and are truly grateful for everyone’s support. All of these things combined helped give Joshua the best chance at life, and our doctor’s the ability to support and care for him. We truly believe that Joshua is here with us today thanks to Finnan’s Gift,” said Sharon, Joshua’s mum.
This year’s donation of hybrid infant warmers will also help babies just like Joshua.
Oliver explained, “We knew this equipment would be a game changer for everyone, especially when we learned that the infant warmers will allow parents direct contact with their babies, along with the advances in temperature control, ventilation and resuscitation that they deliver.”
Alisa and Oliver together with Michael Cheung, Director of Cardiology, meet David, Sharon and baby Joshua
Alisa Camplin-Warner recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honour List
Alisa Camplin-Warner AM was recently recognised as part of the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honour List for her significant service to the community through support for paediatric healthcare.
Alisa said she was humbled and honoured to receive the award but really felt that all thanks should go to the Finnan’s Gift community of exceptionally loyal supporters.
“Being recognised on the Queen’s Birthday Honour List was so special but more so it’s an acknowledgment to the powerful impact created but the entire Finnan’s Gift family.
“It would be so easy to stop giving, to stop fundraising or stop supporting, but 8 years in and $2M+ raised, and we are now seeing the unbelievable value of our combined accumulated giving to cardiac care support at the RCH. Creating such a tangible significant difference is something we should all feel exceptional proud about.” said Alisa.
Finnan’s Gift will deliver the RCH it’s first Cardiohelp device in 2020
At the presentation, Alisa and Oliver also announced that in 2020 Finnan’s Gift will raise funds for the purchase of a Cardiohelp device.
“There are so many other families across Australia who need our help, so next years fundraising goal is to raise $150,000 to purchase the first ever CardioHelp device for the RCH.
“This is a purpose built, mobile heart lung ECMO machine that will be used to transport critically ill cardiac patients safely from other hospitals throughout Australia back to the RCH so they can receive expert care.
“We hope you will help us to deliver on this goal by making a donation or joining Team Finnan’s Gift at the upcoming Melbourne Marathon Festival on October 13th, 2019. Walk, jog or run any distance and enjoy spending time with so many of the other wonderful human beings that make up the fabulous Finnan’s Gift community!” said Alisa.
You can learn more and sign up at www.finnansgift.com