Fourteen-year-old Samuel is known for his ability to commit to everything he does – including his passion for playing the drums. He recently channeled this same dedication to giving back to the RCH Foundation through his bar mitzvah celebration.
“In the Jewish tradition, when a boy turns 13, they will hold a bar mitzvah ceremony. This event celebrates the progression from childhood into adulthood,” Danielle, Samuel’s mother explained.
As part of the bar mitzvah, a party is often held for close family and friends to celebrate the occasion. While gifts are typically brought to the event, young people like Samuel can decide to give back to the community instead.
“In lieu of having gifts for his bar mitzvah party, Samuel chose to raise funds for the RCH Foundation because he wanted to help sick kids,” Danielle said.
“I just wanted my donations to make an impact and give children across the hospital really excellent care,” Samuel added.
Samuel’s bar mitzvah raised over $8,000 for the RCH Foundation, which will go directly to helping sick and vulnerable children – just as he intended.
The 14-year-old’s passion for giving back to the RCH Foundation is also reflective of the world-class care he has received from the hospital over the years.
“My son receives care from the Ophthalmology Department. He has received treatment from Dr Johnathan Ruddle who is a fantastic doctor,” Danielle shared.
“Sam also receives care under Immunologist Dr Marine Robinson at the RCH,” she continued.
“I have received care from Johnathan since I was very young. He is so knowledgeable, and he has given me and so many children the care they need so they can do excellent things in the future,” Samuel said.
The family’s generosity doesn’t stop there. As a result of her son’s long-standing history with Ophthalmology, Danielle has also given to the Professor Frank Billson Research Scholarship.
“I have been donating to this scholarship in the hopes even more children with eye conditions can get the care they need, especially in the years to come,” Danielle said.
The Professor Frank Billson Research Scholarship, established by philanthropist Shelley Kline, supports clinicians from Ophthalmology, allowing them
to undertake vital work so they can improve outcomes for children with eye conditions.
Both Samuel and Danielle are grateful to be in the position to help sick children and their families get access to world-leading care.
“We are extremely happy to be able to help fund healthcare and provide children with the treatment they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to receive,” Danielle shared.