Why is it not called the Childrens Hospital Telethon?
Picture and voice not in sync… anyone else experiencing this?
Eskimo Joe not the best choice of band for a show like this.
Nine Telethon is back in 2024 to make big little miracles happen
The Nine Telethon will return in 2024, in support of Mater Little Miracles, helping to give our littlest Queenslanders the best possible start to life.
The Nine Telethon will spotlight how Mater, Australia’s busiest maternity care provider, improves the health outcomes for mothers and babies by being a leader in neonatal critical care and maternal foetal medicine, while showcasing how Queenslanders can help.
Each year, over 2,000 seriously ill and premature babies have to call Mater’s Neonatal Critical Care Unit (NCCU) home, relying on cutting-edge specialist care, life-saving equipment and world-leading research. For many of them, just breathing is a struggle, with as many as six babies on mechanical breathing support at one time.
With the generosity and support of Queenslanders, the Nine Telethon will ensure Mater Little Miracles can continue to help the most vulnerable little lives and support their loved ones, now and into the future.
They include little lives like Lameck Rugato, who was born premature at just 23 weeks in a critical condition, weighing a tiny 610 grams and diagnosed with a chronic lung disease.
Lameck’s mother, Night Rugato, who has spent over 100 days with her newborn son in Mater’s NCCU, said: “You never imagine this situation until it happens, and you pull on every bit of strength, like a superpower, to get through it.
“We had to move little Lameck to Mater for the NCCU’s specialist equipment and care and their support has been incredible. We are grateful that Lameck is in the safest hands possible and we’re taking each day as it comes.”
Managing Director of Nine Queensland and Nine Northern NSW, Kylie Blucher, said: “It’s wonderful to have the Nine Telethon marked in the 2024 calendar, ready to rally behind our tiniest yet toughest little Queenslanders.
“Compassion, generosity and unwavering connection is deeply woven into Nine Telethon’s DNA, and we look forward to having Mater Little Miracles at the heart of it all. How special that the spirit and support of the Sunshine State can help save the lives of those facing the unimaginable.”
Mater Foundation CEO, Andrew Thomas, said: “The Nine Telethon is a miracle in the making for Queensland’s sickest and smallest babies, and their families. We’re looking forward to sharing these real stories and celebrating the work of our talented and dedicated clinical teams who continue to deliver life-saving and life-changing care.
“With Nine Queensland’s incredible support, we achieved a record-breaking $1.9 million for Mater’s recent Giving Day to deliver life-saving medical equipment, research, education and healthcare throughout Queensland.
“Now, coming together for the Nine Telethon means our mission in delivering compassionate critical care to at-risk newborns, discovering ground-breaking maternal foetal medicine treatments and developing innovations through research and technology will enable us to reach new heights.
“Creating hope for the babies and their families is a special opportunity. The sky’s the limit and the countdown is on.”
The date for the 2024 Nine Telethon, in support of the Mater Little Miracles, will be announced early next year.
Interesting that there is a new beneficiary in Mater Foundation, replacing of Queensland Children’s Hospital Foundation. Who made the call?
Countdown begins for Nine Telethon in support of Mater Little Miracles
The countdown is officially underway for the Nine Telethon in support of Mater Little Miracles, on Saturday, April 6, on Channel 9 and 9Now.
Commemorating a decade since the inaugural Nine Telethon, the 2024 broadcast aims to propel Mater, Australia’s leader in neonatal critical care and maternal foetal medicine, toward its ongoing mission to improve health outcomes for seriously ill and premature babies and mothers, while encouraging Queenslanders to show their support by donating generously.
Early momentum for the fundraising drive was unveiled today with a commitment of $1,500,000 from Shannon Fentiman, Minister for Health, Mental Health, Ambulance Services, and Minister for Women, on behalf of the Miles Government. This contribution is poised to make a significant impact on Mater’s Neonatal Critical Care Unit (NCCU), which provides cutting-edge specialist care, life-saving equipment, and supports world-leading research that benefits more than 2,000 premature babies annually.
Ms Fentiman said: “I am delighted to announce a $1.5 million donation for this year’s Nine Telethon on April 6 – a commitment that supports Mater in its dedication to providing ongoing assistance to Queensland’s most vulnerable little lives, their mothers and their families, now and into the future.
“This commitment not only aids the delivery of life-saving medical equipment but also propels vital research initiatives and elevates healthcare services throughout Queensland, precisely what Queenslanders deserve.
“We feel honoured to play a role in shaping the trajectory for these precious lives, ensuring they have the best possible start in life, and look forward to following their journeys from their NCCU bed and beyond.”
The heartwarming stories include twin boys Charlie and Oliver, who were born 14 weeks premature, weighing 820gm and a tiny 675gm respectively, but have made considerable progress since receiving expert care in Mater’s NCCU.
Parents Tiahna and Juan Fourie, from Wavell Heights, have spent over 60 days calling Mater home since Charlie and Oliver were born, and said: “We are experiencing first-hand the benefit of having the Mater’s NCCU’s life-saving equipment.
“Charlie has already had surgery and both our little boys will require more treatment before coming home, including needing breathing assistance for some time. Every dollar makes a world of difference.”
Mater Foundation CEO, Andrew Thomas, said: “What a generous kick-start this $1.5 million contribution is to the Nine Telethon – our miracle in the making for Queensland’s sickest and smallest babies.
“With one in five Queensland babies born at a Mater Hospital and over 2,000 at-risk newborns calling our NCCU home annually, we remain steadfast in delivering compassionate critical care. The support from commitments like these, toward the Nine Telethon, will drive pioneering, revolutionary, maternal-foetal medicine treatments and innovations through research and new technology.
“This early display of generosity ensures crucial advancements at Mater and opens the door to limitless possibilities on April 6.”
Managing Director for Nine Queensland and Northern New South Wales, Kylie Blucher, said: “Year after year, the Nine Telethon consistently surpasses our expectations with its remarkable fundraising endeavours and impactful outcomes. As we approach its tenth year, having collectively raised nearly $100 million for Queensland kids and their families, we are anticipating another outstanding telethon.
“It’s an event that brings Queenslanders together in mutual support, and I eagerly anticipate experiencing that genuine, collective spirit once again as we rally around these resilient little fighters.”
Support Queensland’s littlest lives by making a donation at https://www.9telethon.com.au/
Interesting that a Telethon ad appears in today’s Herald Sun in Melbourne.
I initially thought it replaces a gambling outlet ad, but the telethon ad is in the print edition too.
I noticed that too.
It’s even stranger when you consider the Herald-Sun’s long time links with the RCH Good Friday Appeal.
Saturday 6 April 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Brisbane
The Nine Telethon is back in support of Mater Little Miracles. Join us live from around the state for stories of bravery, courage, and determination. Meet some of the state’s tiniest miracles as we raise millions for the Mater Foundation.
Sounds like there will be crosses into programming across the day also, according to the website.
The special day is scheduled for Saturday 6 April, broadcast live on location from Mater Mothers Hospital, South Brisbane—the heart of where miracles can happen. Tune in from 7 am for a day-long spectacle, spanning Mater hospitals from Brisbane to Townsville, showcasing the unparalleled specialist care that defines a legacy.
Nice to see.
Some of the pre-recorded segments shown across the morning and afternoon, including one with a WIN News component.
2024 Nine Telethon raises $6,791,588 for Mater Little Miracles
More medical miracles are in the making after the Nine Telethon raised a remarkable total of $6,791,588 for Mater Little Miracles on Saturday night.
Nine Queensland Managing Director Kylie Blucher, Mater Mothers’ Director of Neonatology Dr Pita Birch, 9News Queensland’s Andrew Lofthouse, Melissa Downes and Aislin Kriukelis, Mater Foundation CEO Andrew Thomas and Mater Foundation Board Chair Virginia Ryan
This generous sum allows Mater, Australia’s busiest maternity care provider, to ensure Queensland’s sickest and tiniest babies will continue to have access to life-saving care as their families receive ongoing support.
The 2024 Nine Telethon spotlighted the extraordinary work of Mater by sharing the real and resilient stories from its Neonatal Critical Care Unit (NCCU) and celebrating the life-saving and life-changing care provided by Mater’s devoted clinical teams.
In a heartwarming display of unity, people from all corners of the Sunshine State donated generously to aid their fellow Queenslanders and support Mater in being a leader in neonatal critical care and maternal foetal medicine.
The outpouring of support was magnified by notable contributions from the Federal Government ($2 million), the Queensland Government ($1.5 million), and inaugural presenting partners: The Lott by Golden Casket, Suncorp and Plantation Homes. The Brisbane Broncos added to the donation tally by auctioning off captain Adam Reynolds’ and club veteran Corey Oates’ football boots, which echo the size of the seriously ill and premature babies tended to by Mater – more than 2,000 each year.
Managing Director of Nine Queensland and Nine Northern New South Wales, Kylie Blucher, said:
“Once again the Nine Telethon has worked its magic, leaving an indelible mark and transforming the lives of countless Queensland families. It’s truly heartwarming to witness our community uniting to support our own, and I am thrilled that Mater Little Miracles can continue to provide Queensland’s most vulnerable infants with the best possible start to life, thanks to these life-saving funds.
“My heartfelt gratitude extends to Nine Queensland’s dedicated production team and 9News Queensland and Nine talent, whose unwavering dedication has been instrumental in achieving this wonderful outcome for Mater Little Miracles.”
Mater Foundation CEO, Andrew Thomas, said:
“What an extraordinary evening! Thanks to the Nine Telethon, the incredible sum of $6,791,588 ensures that more medical miracles are now within reach. These funds are truly life-changing for sick and premature babies.”
“The generosity from the community allows us to purchase the latest technology and equipment and invest in world-class research to improve the survival rates and long term outcomes for our tiniest patients. We want babies to survive; however, we also want them to thrive and live a full life without any physical or intellectual disability.
“Each dollar raised not only brings hope to countless Queensland families but also lays a solid foundation for a brighter, healthier future. On behalf of our amazing clinicians and our brilliant researchers, I express our sincere gratitude to the Nine Telethon for standing with us on this journey to support Queensland families for years to come.”
The Nine Telethon, broadcast from Mater Mothers’ Hospital, featured Queensland’s longest-serving presenting duo, 9News Queensland’s Melissa Downes and Andrew Lofthouse, welcoming viewers into the NCCU ward with 9News Queensland’s Aislin Kriukelis, and into the Nine Telethon Call Centre with NRL on Nine’s Peter Psaltis and Sam Thaiday. There were also special appearances by Paralympic athletes Paige Greco and Torita Blake, former tennis player John Millman, Channel 9’s The King, Wally Lewis, and more.
Presenting Partners of the 2024 Nine Telethon included the Queensland Government, Suncorp, The Lott by Golden Casket, and Plantation Homes.
Donations to the 2024 Nine Telethon in support of Mater Little Miracles can still be made at www.9telethon.com.au or via the QR Code below.