71km for the 71 babies born prematurely every day.
Every day in Australia, 71 babies are born prematurely, many of whom rely on the incredible care of specialist newborn units to give them the best possible start in life.
When our son, Oisín, was born at 36 weeks, we knew there was a possibility he would need some time in neonatal care. What we couldn't have anticipated was just how much we would come to rely on it.
Oisín was born with a medical condition that required surgery within the first 24 hours of his life. He spent the first four weeks as a patient of the Newborn Care Centre at the Royal Hospital for Women in Randwick.
Those first few weeks were some of the hardest of our lives. But thanks to the extraordinary nurses, doctors and specialists who cared for Oisín, an incredibly frightening and overwhelming start to his life was made that little bit easier. Their kindness, compassion and dedication meant more to us than we could ever put into words. They didn't just care for our baby boy, they cared for us too.
It's something we will never forget, and something we will always be grateful for.
So, this November, Ant and I are taking part in Running for Premature Babies, walking 71km to give back to the people and places that gave so much to our family, and to help ensure other babies and their families receive the same incredible care when they need it most.
We would be so grateful for any support you can give, no matter how small. Every donation helps provide much-needed funding for specialist neonatal care, giving these incredible hospitals the resources they need to care for some of the tiniest and most vulnerable little lives.
Because every baby deserves the best possible start in life, especially when they arrive a little earlier than expected. ❤️
Thank you so much for supporting us and this cause that will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
Noelle, Ant & Oisín 💙
