Art can inspire children and young people to explore, imagine and expand their perception of reality. It is a tool that not only sparks joy, but also provides deep connection to culture. Very Special Kids collaborated with renowned First Nations artist Reko Rennie to create a captivating sculpture for the hospice’s central courtyard – the heart of Very Special Kids House. Inspired by Australian wildlife and his Kamilaroi heritage, the artwork will feature a flock of silhouetted native birds, suspended...

Last month, Team Very Special Kids member, Sarah, braved the cold weather to take on the Great Ocean Road Running Festival, raising more than $1,300 for Very Special Kids. Reflecting on the big day Sarah shares: “The run on Sunday was an incredible experience. Not only did I get to challenge myself physically, but knowing that every step I took was helping children and families in need made it even more meaningful. It was a beautiful day, and the support...

On Friday, more than 800 individuals teamed up for the Very Special Kids 24-Hour Treadmill Challenge. The atmosphere was electric in the marquee – colourful costumes, live entertainment and former AFL stars motivated participants as they took on 24 hours of treadmill motion for 24-hour respite and end-of-life care. We are thrilled to announce we have raised more than $700,000! Thank you to each and every participant, team captain and donor for their support. You have helped to provide 24-hour care for...

On Friday, Melbourne’s cycling community unleashed their competitive streak for the sixth annual Autumn Classic, raising over $162,000! The stakes were high as riders raced to the finish line in the virtual cycling challenge as they raised much-needed funds for the children, young people and families in our care. https://youtu.be/L2A1lNPlGf4 Congratulations to Grupetto, who topped the leaderboard on 105 points, with a strong racing and fundraising effort to take out the win. Second and third place went to bakpocket (89...

Emily and Olivia can be just like any sisters. Rivals one minute, then best friends the next. They do everything together and share a special bond. But there’s another kind of connection these two little girls share… Six-year-old Emily and four-year-old Olivia both live with a life-limiting condition. It is already beyond belief how a family can cope with one child who has a life-limiting condition. Having two children diagnosed with serious illness is unimaginable. But for Emily and Olivia’s...

We’d like to say a very special thank you to the hospice volunteers who have stood by our side during the rebuild of Very Special Kids House. They provided invaluable support at our temporary space at Monash Children’s Hospital, and will continue to be there when we open the doors to our new home. In appreciation of this dedication, we hosted a dinner and hospice tour to give our volunteers a sneak peek of the facility they will soon be...

Nine-year-old Ryan is sensitive, funny, kind and enthusiastic. In most ways, he is like any other child his age, however, Ryan has had to ‘grow up’ a lot quicker than his peers. Ryan’s younger sister, Alisha, was born with a rare and debilitating skin condition called Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) disease. Since birth, she has required round-the-clock care from her parents and a team of dedicated health professionals. This has had a significant impact on the trajectory of her brother Ryan’s...

At six months old, baby Eden started having seizures. In a search for answers her parents, Nat and Jake, took their daughter to the hospital and were given the news no parent could prepare for. “I didn't have any power in my body to walk,” shares her mum Nat. “They gave us the diagnosis and we were discharged 45 minutes later. We couldn't even pronounce her condition yet, let alone absorb what they were telling us to do." Eden was...

Written by Very Special Kids volunteer Janelle  I’ve been lucky enough to be a family volunteer with Very Special Kids for the past two years. I volunteer with an amazing, beautiful family who have welcomed me into their home on a fortnightly basis. Working mostly with the eldest son, Ryan, we have done plenty of colouring, chatting, going out to the park, shops, library, pool, and on his birthday – the movies!   Late last year, the very wonderful family support...

On Friday 17 March, we held a very special ladies lunch! Everyone was dressed to impress, as we raised vital funds for Very Special Kids’ holistic children’s palliative care services. We are thrilled to announce that over $70,000 was raised to support children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families. Thank you so much to our fantastic MC Heidy Murphy, DJ Miss Dee and saxophonist Justin Hall. A very special thank you to Margie, who generously shared her...