Michelle Worthington and her son Tom are ambassadors for Life’s Little Treasures Foundation’s Walk for Prems on being staged on Sunday, October 28 at 12 locations.
Ms Worthington, 42, of Sheldon is the author of My Brother Tom, a picture book by local publisher Wombat Books that helps older brothers and sisters of sick babies in hospital and raises funds for Life’s Little Treasures Foundation.
“I received support from Life’s Little Treasures Foundation after I had my third premature baby in 2014. Leaving hospital without your baby is traumatic for the parents, but also confusing for siblings. When our family received a care package from Life’s Little Treasures Foundation, I knew I wanted to help this amazing organisation make a difficult time easier for others in our situation,” she said.
More than 48,000 Australian babies are admitted into neonatal and special care units every year, representing 14.5 per cent of all births and 115 admissions daily.
“Most families aren’t prepared for a premature baby and so need the support provided by LLTF. Prematurity can cause significant financial, emotional and psychological hardship, and can cause significant stress and mental health issues if a family doesn’t have the right support,” she said.
Ms Worthington said this was her third year she and Tom would be walking, in the event now in its ninth year. In that time, the event has raised more than $1.4m. This year’s goal is to raise a further $300,000.
To join, Tom's team or to donate, go to https://secure.lifeslittletreasuresfundraising.com.au/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?TeamID=110151
