All kids deserve the right to be healthy, little vegemites - and to smile with cheeky grins often, don't you think? It's probably fair to say that most people want the absolute best for their children. Disturbingly, however, the latest research shows that about 75 Aussie kids under 15 years are diagnosed with brain cancer each year; and about 33 children die from the disease annually. To launch brain cancer Action Week 2012, Grey Matters and Cancer Council NSW are hosting Bubbles@Bondi on May 5. It is a free event. All members of the community are invited to attend. The aim is to blow bubbles into the sky together to represent hope for brain cancer patients and their loved ones. Read full article
This video was shared on Twitter by a lovely friend who, like me, was moved by the moving reaction of a young Brazilian girl after a cleft palate operation. Watch her face when she sees herself in the camera towards the end - it's perfect slice of happiness. Operation Smile is a charity organisation that heals children's smiles - they measure themselves by the joy they see on faces. Read full article
Book: Sophie's Journey by Sally Collings tells of a child′s resilience, of the choice between life and death, and of a strength that prevails through suffering. Sophie Delezio has a message of hope for us all. This is her story. Read full article
I've written about the beautiful Dainere Anthoney for happychild previously. It is too easy to describe every seriously ill child as 'exceptional', but this young lady truly is. She captured the heart of my Twitter followers and nationwide journalist colleagues some months ago when her wish was to have her personal blog published in book form... Even though I've interviewed Dainere & Yvonne on my radio program, and written about her several times, we had not yet met in person. Read full article
I've done some tough interviews in my 20 year broadcasting career. Politicians, world leaders, superstars, mums, dads, kids, cops, rich, poor ... people with joyous stories to celebrate, people with tragedies to share. For Starlight Day this year, I did an interview with 12 year old Dainere Anthoney. It was both a pleasure and a heartbreak, but to me this is what my job, and my privileged position is all about. Read full article
