A huge thank you to our contributors for donating their time and expertise to Humpty to help produce this edition of the Good Egg Magazine.
CONTRIBUTORS
Johanna Griggs AM, Humpty Patron
Ray Martin AM, Humpty Ambassador & Long-time Supporter
Steve Liebmann OAM
Sharyn Ghidella, News Presenter & Journalist
Assoc. Prof. Kath Browning Carmo, Humpty Board Member & Chair MPAC
Sandra Lee, Author & Journalist
Griffin Vautier, Humpty Graduate
Paul Francis OAM, Humpty Founder & Chairman
Claire Reaney, Humpty CEO & Managing Director
Kimberly Clausen, Humpty Marketing Specialist
FRONT COVER:
Tilly Kearns with dad Phil Kearns AM and mum Julie 2024
YOUR PRIVACY
Humpty will only collect personal information to process donations, issue tax receipts and send you updates. Our privacy policy is available on our website humpty.org.au or call us on 1300 486 789 (1300 HUMPTY). If you do not wish to receive communications from the Humpty Dumpty Foundation please email: humpty@humpty.com.au or mail Humpty Dumpty Foundation: Suite 204, 10 - 12 Clarke Street, CROWS NEST NSW 2065
The Humpty Dumpty Foundation acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters on which we serve and pays respect to the past and present First Peoples and Elders of Country throughout Australia.
Content in this magazine may be of a sensitive nature to some readers.
What’s inside
Chairman’s message
Back in 1990, I was 40, single and thought I was having a pretty good time (I was certainly spending a lot more time thinking about myself than I was the people around me!).
As they say, I was there for a good time – not necessarily a long time.
Then I had a thought. Maybe, just once a year, my tennis business in Sydney could get our players together and support the children’s ward at our local hospital, Royal North Shore?
That thought, and that moment, were lifechanging.
Since the first Humpty Ball in 1990, through the support of so many people, the Humpty Dumpty Foundation has now donated children’s medical equipment to around 500 hospitals and health services across Australia.
At age 52, I married Katie and we have three children: 20-year-old Charlotte and 16-year-old twins Anna and Grace. Our twins were born 8 weeks premature and cared for by doctors and nurses using equipment donated by Humpty supporters. Thank goodness it was there!
These days, I know the most important thing in life is the health of your family – and most of all, our children.
All the material things in life, that at times seem most important, pale into insignificance when something happens to the health of a family member. I’m pleased to be reminded every single day of the importance of life and what a gift it is.
In this Good Egg edition, you’ll read about so many generous people and corporations.
Those who’ve had the vision to see every Australian child as part of our Humpty family, and whose support has improved the health outcomes for so many children and their families.
These big-hearted humans have given the ‘gift of life’ to many children that they may never know or meet – and what a difference they’re making.
A huge thank you to those who’ve contributed to the Good Egg this time around – the lifelong members of the Humpty Family: Ray Martin, Johanna Griggs, Steve Liebmann, Sharyn Ghidella and Sandra Lee. The more we spread the word, the more Australian children will be saved.
If you’re in a position to help, please call me on 1300 486 789 (1300-HUMPTY) or check out Humpty’s Wish List from page 11.
Thank you!
Paul Francis OAM Founder and Chairman
Our mission is to raise funds to provide essential and often lifesaving medical equipment and healthcare initiatives for sick kids in hospitals in every corner of Australia.
Our twins Anna and Grace born 8 weeks premature
.. and no
Kearns & the Burn: a legacy of passion and purpose
By Sandra Lee
Phil Kearns and his eldest daughter, Tilly, have a couple of things in common. First, they know what it’s like to be at the top of their sporting game.
For Phil, rugby, and for Tilly, water polo. He’s a two-time World Cup winner and former Wallabies captain. She’s a recently crowned Olympic silver medallist, one of the all-star Australian water polo team, which stormed the Paris Olympics in the best-ever attended match in history.
Second, both Kearnses are driven to ‘get things done’. Witness the 24th annual Balmoral Burn in May, which saw father and daughter take on Awaba Street despite massive immediate challenges.
Phil had recently recovered from open heart surgery, and Tilly was preparing for her second Olympics – so it was more of a walk than a run up the hill! “Dad had to take care of his heart and I didn’t want to get injured. But we got it done,” says Tilly.
They did indeed. Alongside hundreds of other Good Eggs, they raised $1.5 million for the Humpty Dumpty Foundation
to buy medical equipment for children’s health services around Australia.
Phil came up with the idea for a one-off fun run to raise $10,000 to help provide a ‘lick of paint’ to the paediatric ward at Royal North Shore Hospital 25 years ago. Then, his second son, Finn, was being treated for suspected meningococcal and the kids’ ward needed a makeover.
Someone connected Phil with Humpty’s founder, Paul Francis, and the Balmoral Burn subsequently became an annual event that has raised more than $35 million dollars.
What does Phil remember about the first Burn?
"It wasn’t so much going up the hill that I remember but hoping that someone turned up on the day,” he laughs.
“Luckily, as we’ve discovered with 24 Burns, there are a lot of lunatics who love running up a hill…and they love the challenge even better if it helps someone else.”
And as of the huge sums raised and little lives helped –Phil can’t even fathom that number. “The more I think about it, the more emotional it makes me. We’re at hundreds of pieces of equipment a year and if it’s used even once a day that’s thousands of individuals right there.”
An emotionally proud moment - Andie, Phil and Finn Kearns, celebrating with Tilly
“Certainly, I never foresaw where it was going to go and as I’ve said many times, I thought there was only ever going to be one. Sometimes the dumbest ideas can be the best.”
The Burn has always been a family affair for Phil, wife Julie, and their four kids, Wilson, Finn, Tilly and Andie. Tilly, who is studying at the University of Southern California when not playing water polo for Australia, takes part whenever she can, "which fortunately or unfortunately is every year", she jokes. She was five on her first Burn, holding hands between mum and dad with little sister, Andie, in a pram.
“I had no idea, until later, that it started because of my brother. I’m not sure I was alive when Finn was sick, but I do remember Humpty having a massive impact on my sister’s recovery,” the 24-year-old says.
Andie sustained serious injuries in a car accident at home and spent weeks in hospital, treated with medical equipment covered with Humpty logos.
This year’s Burn was also especially significant.
“We heard first hand from a young boy named Griff who spoke about the equipment that saved his life, and that had such a profound impact on me,” Tilly says.
“It makes me want to do so much more in the world now. Seeing what my dad started—what began so small and is now a huge event—it's nothing short of amazing.”
Likewise, Phil’s proud of Tilly’s Paris success and, once again, it was a family affair with mum, dad and siblings cheering the Aussie Stingers.
“I’m not sure we’ve stopped crying,” says Phil. “It was incredible, just knowing how hard she works and knowing that we’ve played some small role in it.”
When Tilly was 14, she was selected for the NSW Institute of Sport at Homebush, requiring 4.10am wake-up calls for 5am training.
“It was five days a week,” remembers Tilly. “Mum or dad would drive me – a huge commitment; they’d wait in the car. But I was determined. I said, ‘I don’t have a choice, I am making this team’, and to have their support to drive me to training was incredible.”
Did Phil impart any sporting advice?
“I try not to give too much advice …but I did tell Tilly to play with a smile on her face, and you can see that in the way she plays. You can see the joy there.”
Tilly’s dedication paid off. The Stingers won silver to Spain’s gold in a heart-stopping final 11-9, the best result for any Australian water polo team since the women won gold in Sydney.
“I did ask my doctor if we could wait for surgery until after the Olympics, and I’m glad we didn’t because with all the tension and the penalty goals, my aorta could have popped,” Phil jokes, adding he’s made a full recovery after successful surgery.
Says Tilly: “You dream about it as a little girl…and it was everything I thought it would be. It feels like a fever dream at the moment, even a few months later.”
As for the future, she adds:
“[I’ve got] plenty more Burns left in me. And I will keep playing water polo as long as I keep loving it and my body allows for it.”
Inspired to join Tilly on the hill? Get involved in 2025...
Tilly at the Burn in 2024
Participants enjoy the 'Celebration Run' race at the Balmoral Burn
The beautiful legacy of Frankie Skye Foulkes
By Johanna Griggs AM
With so much turmoil in the world, sometimes it takes being part of a Humpty event to remind you of the good in people, and the kindness they show to others. We had such an experience at The Great Humpty Ball, Darwin held on the majestic palm tree dotted shoreline of Mindil Beach Casino Resort in June 2024.
I shared the story of Karine and Rob Foulkes and their darling baby Frankie Skye Foulkes. It wasn’t an easy story to tell – if I’m being honest.
It was heartbreaking, but a story that is indictive of a territory as large as the Northern Territory (NT). Where infant mortality rates are three times any other state or territory in the country, and waitlists for specialists can often be longer than 12 months.
Based in Darwin, where Rob serves in the Australian Defence Forces and Karine works for NT Health, they were thrilled to discover they were to become parents. The pregnancy was tough, they’d had some concerns throughout it, and the birth was not without its complications. But on 24
December 2022, their Christmas gift of a gorgeous baby girl arrived early. With low blood sugar they spent her first week in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) before she was given a clean bill of health and was sent home.
Having travelled all over Australia with the Army, they soon found themselves crisscrossing the country with Frankieintroducing her to family and friends. Frankie would beam and chortle at anyone who caught her eye. She was an incredibly happy and content little baby.
But call it a mother’s instinct, or the fact that Karine was with Frankie day in day out, she started to become concerned about some of her development. Many times, she turned up at the emergency unit, only to be reassured that everything was ok, and that she was just being a little over cautious as a new mum. She was put on a 12-month waitlist to see a paediatrician.
But Karine could see Frankie was unable to hold her head up for any length of time, and couldn’t hold her legs in the frog position, so she kept asking questions. The more she asked, the more frustrated she became.
Eventually, through Veteran Medical Group, Dr Chris McLean, who also happened to be a Hospital Emergency Registrar, was able to see Karine and Frankie in their own
Karine Foulkes and Johanna Griggs AM at The Great Humpty Ball in Darwin this year
Baby Frankie and Karine en route to Melbourne in the Care Flight plane
home in April last year, and was able to observe Frankie for over an hour. He recognised that Karine’s concerns were right, and that Frankie needed assistance immediately.
They were rushed to hospital, and not long after, a decision was made to relocate their family to the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne. Almost straight away – Frankie was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy 1, a neuro condition that affects the nerves that control muscle movement.
By this stage, the muscles in Frankies throat and chest were starting to fail. Frankie was struggling to breathe. Treatment began immediately and Frankie fought hard.
For 18 days - she defied the odds –before passing away on the 8 May 2023. Aged – just 4 months.
In her short life, Frankie, who always had a smile on her face and a joyous disposition, left a big impact on this world
Understandably, Karine raged. She demanded answers. She cried and screamed and shouted and was almost completely lost and overwhelmed in her grief and fury. Until one day, she realised anger was only going to get her so far. That she didn’t want anyone who heard about Frankie's story to automatically think of something negative.
Instead – she wanted them to hear Frankie’s name - and think of something truly beautiful. Something special, and gorgeous! Just like their baby girl was.
So instead, she decided to try and funnel all that devastation, confusion, disappointment and grief - into a positive.
She wanted to help other families who might find themselves in a position where they had a drastically ill baby, and to make sure the right support, and lifesaving equipment would be available for them if they ever found themselves in similar horrendous circumstances.
Mostly, she wanted Frankie to have a legacy that will help others.
So – she found Humpty, and she picked out a piece of equipment. An Arctic Sun Temperature Management System for the NICU in Royal Darwin Hospital.
For many months, Karine raffled off meat trays, made money boards, and collected donations – spending every moment she could between work to raise money to be able to buy a piece of equipment that will proudly bear the name Frankie Skye Foulkes. By herself she raised a remarkable $20,000. But the piece of equipment cost $55,000.
So, I put it to the room to see if we could help Karine and Rob’s dream come true. And those big-hearted Territorians, and one NSW donor didn’t let me down. The bids just kept on coming. By the end of the night, we’d surpassed the extra $35,000 we were hoping to raise.
Instead we ended up with over $92,000 in pledges so Karine and Rob will now be able to have several pieces of equipment in Royal Darwin Hospital that will pay tribute to their much loved baby girl.
To witness, such an outpouring of compassion, generosity and support in the room that night was something I won’t forget for a very long time. And as for Karine and Rob, well, apart from enjoying getting their Saturday nights back together and planning for the future, they also recently enjoyed a visit to the hospital to see the legacy of Frankie Skye Foulkes in situ. It was an incredibly proud, emotional and healing moment that a lot of people can feel proud of and a part of.
Karine and Rob visiting Royal Darwin Hospital to see their equipment. Also pictured are nurses Kahla Dumbris and Deborah Ribbon
Death, wills and some extraordinary Humpty stories
By Ray Martin AM
“The rumours of my death have been grossly exaggerated.”
That was Mark Twain’s witty reply in 1897, when a New York newspaper misreported that he had died.
I kept thinking of the great American humourist’s famous quote recently. It was suddenly relevant to me.
I had just hosted a TV program for SBS called The Last Goodbye.
Against my wildest expectations, this 3-part series was one of the network’s most watched shows of 2024.
Australians, it seems, want to talk about death. Who would’ve guessed?
And, for many weeks after the series went to air, complete strangers kept stopping me - in my local coffee shop, IGA and on the street.
Telling me how relieved they were to see that I was … ALIVE. It was comforting. And a huge relief to me personally.
They suspected that because I was on television planning my own funeral, then I must be about to kick the bucket.
Well, not that I know of.
The fact is, I celebrate my 80th birthday in late December, which means as a Baby Boomer, I’m entering what’s now called ‘Peak Death’. (More Australians will die over the next couple of years than ever before.)
What’s fascinating is that these strangers kept telling me that The Last Goodbye series had prompted their families to start talking about death. For the first time ever.
Especially those with elderly parents like me.
People also told me that as well as discussing burials and cremation, eulogies and music, families also ruminated about bequests.
Because they knew of my long association with Humpty some asked if people left money in their wills to the Humpty Dumpty Foundation.
I was able to tell them that it was a recent phenomenon but it was already a game changer in the treatment of sick babies and children across Australia.
I explained that donors often wished to remain anonymous.
But, I was able to tell them about Lorna Blackwood, a remarkable and kind Sydney woman who, without contacting us privately, researched the fantastic work of the Humpty team.
Ray Martin on the SBS TV Show – The Last Goodbye
Lorna subsequently bequeathed the proceeds from the sale of her family home to the Humpty Dumpty Foundation. It was almost four million dollars.
Lorna’s extraordinary gift provides vital medical equipment to paediatric wards across Australia year after yearlifesaving equipment that otherwise would simply not be available.
Because the truth is, government budgets can only stretch so far.
Likewise, there’s the story of a wonderful couple - old friends and supporters of Humpty - named Brian and Patsy
Brian, who was terminally ill with mesothelioma, wanted the family’s last donation – one million dollars – to be spent in children’s hospitals along the East Coast of Australia, where he’d worked a lifetime in the construction business. And that’s precisely what happened.
Before he passed away Brian was sent deeply personal video messages from grateful hospital staff in NSW, QLD and VIC, telling him precisely how his family’s extraordinary generosity had changed the lives of so many terribly sick children and their families. Today. And for years to come.
Finally, I love to tell the incredible tale of Bob Holt from Katherine in the NT.
Bob’s a knockabout truckie who had already given two substantial donations of $10,000.
Then – out of the blue – he rang Paul Francis, our Chairman, announcing that he wished to give ‘a bit more to help the kids in Katherine District Hospital’.
“Thank you kindly, Bob. How much are you thinking of this time?” asked Paul.
“Well mate, how about a million dollars? Would that make a difference?”
Well, of course it would. It HAS already.
Bob’s generosity keeps on making life better, improving the quality of hospital care in this sometimes forgotten outback cattle town.
With a smile in his 83-year-old voice, Bob confessed, “I don’t want to die the richest man in the Katherine Cemetery.”
Well, Bob Holt will forever be known as the kindest bloke in Katherine - not that he cares about that kind of stuff.
He’s simply a remarkable human being.
The last word on the subject of death: I often tell the story of an encounter I had on the Gold Coast about five years ago.
I was standing outside the Southport Police Station with a camera crew, filming a documentary on domestic violence.
A local walked by – about forty years old, shorts and thongs, beer gut and a ‘melanoma suntan’ (get the picture?).
He spied the tv camera, stopped’n’propped and pointed at me.
“Jeez,” he spluttered. ”Jeez. I thought you was DEAD! Mike.”
I laughed and replied, “That’s a bit rude, mate. And my name’s not Mike!”
“Aww, sorry sorry sorry,” He spluttered again. “I know who you are. But, I was shocked. You look pretty good for a dead bloke. GEORGE.”
And off he shuffled, cackling to himself.
RIP George Negus.
Continue your legacy by leaving Humpty a gift in your will or a living legacy. Big or small, your donation will help save the lives of sick children around Australia.
Give the legacy of life
About Humpty
We see a future where every Australian child has access to the healthcare they need, no matter where they live.
Our mission is to raise funds to provide essential and often lifesaving medical equipment and healthcare initiatives for sick kids in hospitals in every corner of Australia.
Humpty bridges the gap between limited and stretched health budgets and unmet paediatric medical equipment needs of hospitals and health services Australia-wide.
Humpty keeps families closer together by helping children recover closer to home
When you choose to donate to Humpty, you will help Australian children benefit from the best healthcare and equipment faster.
Humpty empowers healthcare workers in big city hospitals and in rural and remote communities
Humpty’s tangible impact: Transforming healthcare for kids across Australia
A message from Assoc. Professor Kath Browning Carmo
Humpty Board Director and Chair Medical Programs Advisory Committee (MPAC)
As Chair of Humpty's MPAC, I am pleased to share how Humpty’s dedicated team, with the support of our generous donors and partners, is enhancing healthcare access for children across Australia. Humpty currently supports nearly twothirds of public hospitals and health services, providing critical neonatal and paediatric equipment essential to high-quality care.
Humpty’s role in bridging the gap between government funding and the immediate needs of hospitals has made a significant impact on Australia’s public healthcare system. Many healthcare providers face challenges in acquiring specialised equipment, which can impact timely care. Humpty helps relieve this pressure by stepping in to meet these urgent needs, improving care access and outcomes for infants and children nationwide.
Around 70% of our equipment requests come from regional and rural areas, where the need for equitable access to healthcare is crucial. A recent project involved donating two Patient Transport Vehicles in the Northern Territory, in partnership with NT Health. These vehicles will serve some of the most remote communities, including the Katherine and Nhulunbuy areas, ensuring young patients receive safe transport.
MPAC works closely with hospitals to ensure that every piece of equipment meets urgent neonatal and paediatric healthcare needs. Humpty connects donors with hospitals and health services across the country, delivering tangible, life-changing impacts for young Australians.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
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A hospital or health service identifies a high priority medical need where equipment can dramatically change or save the life of a sick and injured child. They reach out to Humpty for a helping hand.
Submissions are rigorously assessed by Humpty’s Medical Program Advisory Committee – comprised of senior representatives at the top of their practice in medical and clinical care from across the country.
Approved items are added to Humpty’s Wish List and published at humpty.org.au and showcased to supporters in the hope a ‘Good Egg’ will be able to help and donate.
Humpty orders all donated equipment for delivery directly to the hospitals. There is no middle man.
A donor plaque is affixed to the equipment recognising the generous support of the ‘Good Egg’. Where possible, feedback and photos are shared with the donor.
To grant some of the very special wishes that follow, scan this QR code OR contact Humpty on 1300 486 789 (1300 HUMPTY). wishlist.humpty.org.au
Chairman's Wishes
Humpty plays a crucial role in saving children’s lives every day in Australian hospitals and health services. This is made possible by the generous donations of urgently needed medical equipment.
In consultation with Humpty’s Medical Programs Advisory Committee, we have carefully selected these pieces of equipment because of their urgent need and the vital difference they will make in supporting doctors and nurses to save children’s lives.
MAREEBA HOSPITAL, MATERNITY & PAEDIATRIC UNIT, QLD
This equipment is essential for healthcare teams as it enhances the monitoring of vitals and allows for quick response times, greatly improving the level of paediatric patient care in hospitals.
Mareeba Hospital’s existing monitor will not be compatible with the upcoming shift to electronic medical records, so staff need this equipment to properly care for paediatric and newborn patients, allowing for better health outcomes for sick children and babies.
CHAIRMAN’S WISH 2: BILISTICK 2.0 $8,150 EACH
WA COUNTRY HEALTH SERVICE, MATERNITY, WA, 3 NEEDED
If left untreated, jaundice can lead to serious health complications. This equipment provides early diagnosis of jaundice, allowing clinicians to start immediate treatment. The WA Country Health Service delivers high-quality care for rural and remote WA communities. This equipment will quickly test for jaundice and provide instant, accurate results, enabling timely treatment for the most vulnerable little patients.
CHAIRMAN’S WISH 3: INFINITY M540 MONITOR SYSTEM
$16,800 EACH
ROYAL HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN, NEWBORN CARE, NSW, 3 NEEDED
This equipment enhances patient safety by delivering accurate information that allows healthcare providers to make quick, informed decisions, improving health outcomes for premature and critically ill newborns.
There is a current gap in government funding for hospitals across all states, including the Royal Hospital for Women. This equipment would enhance the monitoring and care of sick infants at the hospital, significantly improving health outcomes.
CHAIRMAN’S WISH 4: SENTEC DIGITAL MONITOR $25,190 EACH
This equipment provides real-time, non-invasive monitoring of sick or premature newborns. It allows for continuous tracking of ventilated newborns, reducing the need for invasive blood tests and enabling healthcare providers to provide proper care quickly and effectively.
At Sunshine Hospital, the Newborn Services team face challenges due to limitations in their current monitoring equipment. This equipment is crucial to providing proper care to the hospital's most vulnerable little patients, as it will improve monitoring capabilities and support timely interventions.
CHAIRMAN’S WISH 5: ACTIVE ULTRASOUND SYSTEM $48,500
WEIPA INTEGRATED HEALTH SERVICE, MATERNITY, QLD
This equipment is a lightweight, portable ultrasound machine that facilitates integrated, appropriate newborn and paediatric care.
Weipa Integrated Health Service serves a remote community in Far North Queensland, and the nearest referral hospital is 800 km away. The health service needs funding for this vital equipment, which will significantly improve health outcomes for sick children in the community and reduce stress for the patient and their families.
CHAIRMAN’S WISH 6: PANDA WARMER RESUSVIEW $49,900
WESTMEAD HOSPITAL, EMERGENCY, NSW
This essential equipment provides lifesaving care for newborns and is crucial to monitoring and supporting breathing treatments in emergencies.
Westmead Hospital is a major hospital that sees around 5,200 births annually. Approximately 200 infants require resuscitation annually, highlighting the need for specialised equipment on-site to ensure timely access to vital tools for newborn resuscitation, improving health outcomes for sick babies.
CHAIRMAN’S WISH 7: GIRAFFE OMNIBED CARESTATION
$77,140
ALICE SPRINGS HOSPITAL, NEONATAL UNIT, NT
This equipment provides optimal warmth and protection for premature and critically ill infants and allows care teams to oversee the baby during procedures.
Alice Springs Hospital is the second-largest hospital in the Northern Territory, and the hospital's Neonatal Unit sees around 250 admissions annually. This equipment has been on the hospital's Wish List for over two years, as they lack the funding for it. This piece will significantly improve health outcomes for critically ill infants.
This Australian-first project for Monash Newborn focuses on creating quieter and less stressful environments for premature and critically ill babies. This innovative technology enables medical staff to receive critical alerts on their handsets and centrally at the staff station, which will allow for a quieter and calmer environment at the bedside for the patient and their families.
Monash urgently needs support for this project, as the hospital's current devices will no longer be supported by the provider.
For further information on this leading initiative, scan this QR code here or call Humpty at 1300 486 789 (1300 HUMPTY)
CHAIRMAN’S WISH 9: PUMPED FOR LIFE, BREAST PUMP APPEAL
$3,470 EACH
VARIOUS HOSPITALS, SPECIAL CARE NURSERIES, MATERNITY UNITS AND NICUS ACROSS AUSTRALIA
Humpty's ongoing Mother’s Day Appeal supports new mums and their bubs by providing much-needed breast pumps to hospitals and health care services nationwide.
Many hospitals encounter a shortage of hospital-grade breast pumps. This equipment is essential for mothers to express milk when direct feeding isn’t possible, and enables mothers to bond with their babies, even when separated due to medical needs. These pumps foster connection, care, and hope, ensuring newborns receive the nourishment vital for their health and growth.
Scan here for a list of available breast pumps for purchase or call Humpty at 1300 486 789 (1300 HUMPTY)
Central Coast Local Health District, Special Care Nursery (14), Glenn Innes Hospital, Maternity (1), John Hunter Children’s Hospital, Paediatric Burns Clinic (1)
NEOPUFF RESUSCITATION
DEVICE: $2,120 EACH
Gosford Hospital, Special Care Nursery (1), Hillston Multipurpose Service, Emergency (1)
RAD 57 PULSE OXIMETER:
$2,180 EACH
Wollongong Hospital, Midwifery In The Home (3), Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation, Aboriginal Health (1)
South Western Sydney Local Health District, Postnatal Ward (3)
C-MAC VIDEO LARYNGOSCOPE: $8,500 EACH
Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick, Medical Imaging (3)
NITROUS OXIDE BLENDER SYSTEM: $8,500
Goulburn Hospital, Paediatrics
Humpty Donors have the ability to add their name or brand the plaque that gets affixed to every single piece of donated equipment.
New South Wales
AIRVO 3 HUMIDIFER SYSTEM: $8,820 EACH
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Paediatrics & Emergency (4), Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Hospital, Paediatrics (3), Liverpool Hospital, Emergency (2), John Hunter Children’s Hospital, NICU (3), South Western Sydney Local Health District, Paediatrics (2), Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick, ED & NICU & Isolation Unit (4), Canterbury Hospital, Paediatrics & Emergency (4), Blue Mountains Hospital, Paediatrics (1), Gosford Hospital, Paediatrics (3), Maitland Hospital, Emergency (2)
MXR NITROUS OXIDE & OXYGEN SYSTEM: $10,500
Armidale Hospital, Paediatrics
JM-105 JAUNDICE
DETECTOR: $10,600 EACH
Broken Hill Hospital, Maternity, (1), Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Hospital, Special Care Nursery (2), Westmead Hospital, Midwifery (2), South Western Sydney Local Health District, Emergency (1), Nepean Hospital, Neonatal Services (1), Canterbury Hospital, Emergency (1), Port Macquarie Base Hospital, Maternity (1)
HUMPTY’S BREATH OF LIFE: $12,450
Hillston Multipurpose Service, Emergency
BILISOFT LED PHOTOTHERAPY SYSTEM: $14,600 EACH
Wollongong Hospital, Neonatal Unit (1), Westmead Hospital, Maternity (1), Shoalhaven Hospital, Neonatal Unit (2), St George Hospital, Paediatrics, (1), Shoalhaven Hospital, Neonatal Unit (1), Port Macquarie Base Hospital, Maternity (1)
R SERIES DEFIBRILLATOR: $27,500
Canterbury Hospital, Paediatrics
VENUE GO NEONATAL & PAEDIATRIC TRANSDUCER: $11,300
Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Hospital, Emergency
NEONATAL VIDEO LARYNGOSCOPE: $12,300
Royal North Shore Hospital, NICU
AC40 CLINICAL AUDIOMETER: $31,000
Kids Cottage Warilla, Audiology
PANDA RESUSCITATION WARMER WITH UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLY: $51,200
Liverpool Hospital, Birthing Unit
GIRAFFE OMNIBED CARESTATION: $77,140
The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Grace Centre for Newborn Intensive Care
Queensland
RAD G PULSE OXIMETER:
$1,900 EACH
Hervey Bay Hospital, Special Care Nursery (3)
RAD-57 PULSE OXIMETER:
$2,180
Mount Isa Base Hospital, Midwifery Group Practice
ASTODIA DIAPHANOSCOPE: $3,410 EACH
Redland Hospital, Special Care Nursery (2)
RADICAL-7 PULSE COOXIMETER: $4,750 EACH
Ipswich Hospital, Children’s Ward (3)
CONNEX VITAL SIGNS MONITOR: $6,440
Mareeba Hospital, Maternity & Paediatric Unit
GIRAFFE PHOTOTHERAPY LIGHT: $7,950
Redcliffe Hospital, Neonatal Unit
AIRVO 3 HUMIDIFER SYSTEM: $8,820
Redcliffe Hospital, Critical Care, Women’s & Children’s Services
JM-105 JAUNDICE DETECTOR: $10,600
Gympie Hospital, Maternity & Paediatric
VERSANA ACTIVE ULTRASOUND SYSTEM: $48,500
Weipa Integrated Health Service, Maternity
Victoria
CALESCA MILK WARMING DEVICE: $1,690 EACH
The Northern Hospital, Special Care Nursery (3)
RAD 57 PULSE OXIMETER:
$2,180
Barwon Health North, Urgent Care
VIVA PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCY CART: $4,800
Bairnsdale Regional Health Service, Maternity
BILISTICK SYSTEM 2.0:
$8,150 EACH
Echuca Regional Health, Maternity (2), West Gippsland Health Service, Maternity (1), Mildura Base Hospital, Special Care Nursery (1)
COSYTHERM WARMING SYSTEM: $10,500 EACH
Casey Hospital, Postnatal Ward (2)
JM-105 JAUNDICE
DETECTOR: $10,600 EACH
Cohuna District Hospital, Maternity (1), Gippsland Southern Health Service, Maternity (1), Monash Children's Hospital, Hospital at Home Service (1)
BILISOFT LED PHOTOTHERAPY SYSTEM: $14,600 EACH
Casey Hospital, Maternity (1), Goulburn Valley Health, Maternity (1)
SENTEC DIGITAL MONITOR: $25,190 EACH
Sunshine Hospital, Newborn Services (2)
ISOLETTE 8000 PLUS: $42,100
Box Hill Hospital, Special Care Nursery
PANDA RESUSCITATION WARMER: $43,050
Bairnsdale Regional Health Service, Maternity
ELLA IMMUNOASSAY MACHINE: $180,000
The Royal Children’s Hospital, Immunology
This equipment improves testing for serious immune conditions in children.
Unlike current testing, which can take up to two weeks, this equipment provides results quickly and uses smaller blood samples, speeding up diagnosis, and allowing children to receive the urgent care they need.
Humpty Donors have the ability to add their name or brand the plaque that gets affixed to every single piece of donated equipment.
Northern Territory South Australia
EZ-IO DRILL: $950 EACH
Urapuntja Health Service, Aboriginal Health (2)
HEMOCUE HB 801
ANALYSER: $2,500 EACH
Alice Springs Hospital, Central Region Public & Primary Care (25), Royal Darwin Hospital, PPHC Top End (20), Red Lily Health Board, Remote Health (1)
VIVA PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCY CART: $4,800
Urapuntja Health Service, Aboriginal Health
CONNEX VITAL SIGNS MONITOR: $6,440 EACH
Miwatj Health Aboriginal Health, Primary Health (2)
M540 INFINITY MONITOR SYSTEM: $16,800 EACH
Royal Darwin Hospital, Special Care Nursery (3)
ALGO 7I: $28,530 EACH
Royal Darwin Hospital, NT Hearing (2)
PANDA WARMER RESUSVIEW WITH UPS: $56,700 EACH
Royal Darwin Hospital, Maternity & Delivery Suite (2)
Port Lincoln Health Service, Maternity (2), Port Augusta Hospital & Regional Health Services, Casuarina Ward (1)
Humpty Donors have the ability to add their name or brand the plaque that gets affixed to every single piece of donated equipment.
Western Australia Tasmania
EZ-IO DRILL & EDUCATOR KIT: $2,950
Armadale-Kelmscott Memorial Hospital, Education
IMPACTED FETAL HEAD:
$3,500 EACH
WA Country Health Service, Midwifery (4)
AIRVO 2 HUMIDIFER:
$4,200 EACH
Perth Children’s Hospital, Respiratory (5)
VIVA PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCY CART: $4,800 EACH
Fiona Stanley Hospital, Emergency (2)
CONNEX VITAL SIGNS
MONITOR: $6,440
Bunbury Hospital, Paediatrics
AIRVO 3 HUMIDIFIER SYSTEM: $8,820
Joondalup Health Campus, Paediatric Emergency
JM-105 JAUNDICE
DETECTOR: $10,600 EACH
Fiona Stanley Hospital, Emergency (2)
ATOM INCU I 101 INCUBATOR: $35,000
North West Regional Hospital, Special Care Nursery
This equipment provides a temperature-controlled environment for sick or premature newborns, supporting stabilisation and treatment.
This incubator will play a critical role at North West Regional Hospital by helping to stabilise premature or critically unwell newborns before transfer to a tertiary hospital. It replaces outdated equipment, ensuring the hospital can offer safe and reliable support for vulnerable infants.
ATOM INFANT WARMER: $50,800 EACH
Royal Hobart Hospital, Neonatal & Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (9)
This equipment provides a safe environment for resuscitation, surgeries, and thermoregulation for sick or premature infants.
Royal Hobart Hospital urgently needs to standardise this equipment across Women’s and Children’s Services, as current warmers are outdated and increasingly unavailable due to frequent faults. They need these units to ensure improved, immediate care for sick newborns.
The cost of the medical equipment as listed by the Humpty Dumpty Foundation is an accurate estimate of the list price at the time of issue. It also includes an allowance for the handling costs, delivery, handover costs and a plaque to acknowledge the donor. The actual cost of equipment may be different at the time of purchase. Any shortfall in the cost of the equipment will be paid by the Humpty Dumpty Foundation, any surplus will be treated as a donation and will be used to financially support the Foundation.
Christmastime always brings with it a profound sense of possibilities and hope.
It is a joyous time of the year when family, friends and communities come together, and we reflect on the power of giving and connection.
This time of the year inspires us to extend goodwill to those around us and reminds us that the true spirit of joy comes from selflessness.
It is why this Christmas we are shedding light on sick children in hospital across Australia so that we can give the gift of hope. Sadly, many children won’t be home for the holidays this year. Instead of enjoying all the warmth and joy that Christmas at home brings, they will be spending the season away. Some will even be far away from their families and celebrations at home.
The Humpty team hears firsthand the enormity of grief felt by families and from the most incredible and passionate doctors who have had to fundraise, beg and plea to get the equipment THEY KNOW THEY NEED to save our children’s lives. Some even on Christmas Eve…
In amongst
all
the heartbreak
Humpty brings hope. Hope to families who need something desperately to grab onto. Humpty is that role for many – and you play that role for us.
Together with our family of supporters and corporate partners we bring hope to sick children in hospital and their families. For more than 30 years Humpty has been committed to lifting spirits and to ensuring children in every corner of Australia have access to the healthcare they need, no matter where they live, and to help doctors and nurses care for the most vulnerable young Australians. Partnering with Humpty makes things happen. We are in a truly unique position to connect our partners directly back into their communities with proven tangible outcomes. Together we keep families closer, we empower healthcare workers right across the country and bridge a gap between limited and stretched health budgets.
CEO's Message
Our longstanding partnerships all help Australian children benefit from the best healthcare and equipment faster.
With your support,
care that wasn’t possible beforebecomes possible, and faster.
We just have to look at what we were able to achieve with all your support in 2023 to know what is possible when we come together…
• $5.9 million donated towards medical equipment and health initiatives for sick kids.
• 517 pieces of medical equipment donated to hospitals nationwide.
• 85% of hospital requests successfully donated.
• 2/3 of equipment donated to our country and rural cousins.
I look forward to sharing with you in early 2025 our year in review for 2024. I am sure the impact we have had together throughout the year will be just as meaningful.
Humpty will continue delivering hope. But this can only be achieved by our generous Humpty family of Good Eggs and our valued corporate partners who all make our mission possible.
Our goals are big – to support every public hospital in Australia. We are 2/3rds of the way there.
Your generosity – no matter the size - can lift spirits and bring hope to children and families across Australia.
Together, let’s be the light they need this holiday season.
Claire Reaney CEO & Managing Director
Shedding light on sick children and babies in hospital across Australia
Many children will spend this Christmas in hospital, far from their loved ones at home.
The Humpty Dumpty Foundation’s Gifts of Hope Christmas Appeal is raising vital funds to provide lifesaving medical equipment for these young patients.
Each gift, no matter the size, directly supports sick children, helping healthcare teams deliver the care they need.
Give a gift of hope this Christmas.
Donate by visiting donate.humpty.org.au or Scan the QR code.
Giving the gift of love to sick children
By Sharyn Ghidella
There’s something about Bob. First impressions count and when you first come into Bob's orbit you know you’ve met the genuine article.
Bob is what we like to term a giver.
He’s a hardened salt of the earth truckie, who’s spent a lifetime building a successful business in Katherine, in the Northern Territory (NT).
The exterior is tough. The centre - a little more soft.
You see, Bob likes to share his good fortune and when he just happened to be sitting on a dunny reading Humpty’s Good Egg magazine few years ago, he decided Humpty was a worthwhile charity for him to support, knowing every cent he gave would be spent locally at hospitals in the NT.
The first donation was a generous $10,000. Then another one for the same amount the following year.
Then, what came next, was a truly extraordinary gift of giving. Bob offered Humpty Chairman, Paul Francis, a $1 million cheque, all of which was gratefully funnelled into the local Katherine and Gove hospitals to purchase equipment that is now saving lives.
You see, when Bob sees a need, he likes to find a solution. And when it comes to giving, Bob wants to know he’s given his all.
As he’s been known to say: “I don’t want to be the richest man in the cemetery”.
Bob’s generosity knows no bounds.
So when Bob mentioned to Paul Francis that kids who spend time in hospital deserve to have their spirits lifted during treatment and when they leave, a new charitable project was born and coming to the rescue was a famous humble toy maker based out west in central Queensland.
Tambo Teddies was set the task of creating a unique Humpty branded bear, that kids can lean on while getting care and then take home with them when their hospital stay is done.
Tambo Teddies bringing a smile to Donovan
Tambo Teddies shopfront in remote central west Queensland
From Bob and Humpty’s perspective, this is a gift of love; a symbol of comfort; a new friend to get these children through what can be a scary and stressful experience.
And as anyone in the know knows, Tambo Teddies are not just your garden variety type of bear. These teddies are carefully crafted, all handmade in the Australian outback. Forged out of the love and kindness of a band of women in Tambo at a business that started some 30 years ago, to help keep the wool industry afloat in times of drought.
So far, more than 74,000 have been made. Each one unique. No two Tambo Teddies are the same. Each has its own number sewn in. They are even known to have their own very distinctive personality.
In fact, these teddies are so popular, they’ve found homes right around the world.
And they just happen to be a little bit famous, as well. Prince Christian of Denmark was given one. The then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were gifted one for Prince George when they came to visit Queensland in 2014.
Now they are finding new homes with the tiniest and youngest of patients in the NT.
To date, 50 Humpty Bears have been handcrafted for distribution to kids like Donovan, who’ve spent time at Katherine Hospital. The bulk of them finding their way to the children’s ward, the emergency department and surrounding health clinics, located at places like Pine Creek, Numbulwar, Borroloola and Robinson River.
And, as an added bonus, the hospital can even track these cuddly companions, should any clinical or welfare checks be necessary into the future.
Talk to any of the hospital staff and they’ll tell you, these bears are making a big difference.
They've seen firsthand the joy they bring, when they’re handed over to their young patients and the reassurance they provide during their stay.
The Tambo Teddy is much more than just a stuffed bear. These teddies are serving many purposes.
Because let’s face it, for any child, a teddy is a perfect gift. A friend that will be with them through thick and thin.
So, it’s not just the Teddies these children are taking home thanks to Bob and Humpty.
What these children are taking home is a unique and special friend, a gift of kindness, a sense of security.
A companion to help ease any feelings of fear, loneliness and anxiety. And that warms the heart far more than just any old regular toy could ever do.
Thanks, Bob.
Each Tambo Teddy has its own distinct personality
Super-Griff:
“If it wasn’t for Humpty, I wouldn’t have survived”
By Griffin Vautier
My name is Griffin and I want to tell you a little story about me – and how I came to know and love Humpty.
I just turned 10 – but I was born a whole 12 weeks or 3 whole months too soon.
I weighed a teeny-tiny 986g and my parents told me I was the size of an iPhone. My head was the size of a mandarin and I had tiny little arms and legs. My skin was see-through and I couldn’t open my eyes as they weren’t ready to see yet.
I couldn’t breathe, because my lungs weren’t ready to do their job yet, and my heart kept stopping because my brain wasn’t ready to keep reminding my heart to beat. I could
hear and feel everything though, and even though I don’t remember it, I know I would’ve been scared. Really scared.
The morning I was born, Mum said it felt like a party in the room because there were so many people in there. It wasn’t a party though – they were all waiting to whisk me away, and as soon as mum pushed me out, I was taken and the doctors and nurses urgently worked on me to make sure I survived. Dad went with me and he told me he was really sad. Mum was sad too because she was in the room by herself, not knowing if I was okay.
Later that night, Mum and Dad were allowed to come and see me in what would be my home for the next eight weeks: Royal North Shore Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
They weren’t allowed to hold me or cuddle me. But I heard their voices and started to cry. Mum said it was more like a whimper though, that sounded like a little mouse.
Griffin with Humpty's Junior Ambassador Lauren at the 2024 Balmoral Burn Sponsors' Dinner
They were allowed to open the little door in my humidicrib and although babies born too soon don’t like to be stroked as it can hurt them, Mum and Dad were taught to very gently put their hand on my head. It helps little babies calm down when they’re scared.
The NICU is only for babies, so my parents couldn’t stay with me. Mum said leaving me every night was the hardest thing she had to do, but she felt safe knowing there was a room full of amazing nurses caring for me. I had one dedicated to me 24 hours a day.
When I was 3 days old, I was allowed to come out of my humidicrib and mum was the lucky one who got to hold me first – probably because she’d done all the hard work so far!
Mum says it was the happiest and saddest moment of her life. Holding her miracle baby was wonderful, but she was so frightened because I was so fragile.
And because I was still so sick, I was only able to lie on mum’s chest for 10 minutes before my alarms started going off and the nurses had to put me back into the safety of my humidicrib. Mum says the beeping of the machines drove her crazy some days because when a machine beeped, it meant a baby was having a hard time.
All these machines had little Humpty plaques on them and my parents realised that we were surrounded by something pretty amazing. People had donated their hard-earned money to save the lives of babies they’d never meet. I think that’s pretty cool.
Like to watch my speech?
Everything that was keeping me alive was from Humpty.
The pump mum used to pump milk for me was donated by Humpty. The recliner chair mum or dad sat in for a skin-to-skin cuddle with me was donated by Humpty. The humidicrib that kept me warm and safe was donated by Humpty. If it wasn’t for the entire team and everyone who’s ever donated to Humpty, I wouldn’t have survived.
I’ve collected a lot of money since I was born – a little over $10,000 which has meant I’ve been able to donate 5 pieces of equipment myself. Each piece has ‘Super-Griff’ on it to help other parents and babies going through the same thing. For my birthday each year, I don’t ask for presents. I ask for people to donate to my Humpty account and I use that money to buy something from Humpty’s Wish List.
From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank anyone who’s ever donated to Humpty. If it wasn’t for Humpty, I wouldn’t have survived. Everyone is so generous and I hope by reading my story you love Humpty as much as I do.
I
have a great life and I’m strong and healthy and it’s all because Humpty was there the day I was born.
Griff sharing his story at the at the Balmoral Burn Sponsors' Dinner earlier this year
Giving is good
By Steve Liebmann OAM
On a recent Wednesday in Sydney, people gathered for lunch in one of the dining rooms at the New South Wales Parliament House.
They’d come from all over, with just one thing in common: between them, they’d donated millions of dollars to the Humpty Dumpty Foundation.
This was an occasion for the Foundation to say thank you.
Their hosts were the NSW Health Minister, The Hon. Ryan Park MP, Humpty’s Patron, Johanna Griggs AM, Humpty's Founder, Paul Francis OAM, and CEO Claire Reaney.
The United Kingdom’s wartime Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, once stated that "we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."
And to that end, we know that giving is a powerful act that can very much bring fulfilment and connection to both sides.
By engaging in acts of giving, we’re not only contributing to the well-being of others, but it also enhances our sense of purpose and connection to those around us.
The simple act of giving also plays a crucial role in our community and can leave us feeling as if we’ve made a huge impact on someone’s life (or in this case, the lives of seriously ill kids).
The Humpty Dumpty Foundation is the largest charitable supplier of children’s medical equipment, second only to Australia’s state and territory governments. For over 30 years, the Foundation has provided lifesaving medical equipment for sick babies and children in around 500 hospitals and health services across the country, from populated cities to some of our most regional, rural and remote communities.
None of this, of course, would be possible without the support of private and corporate donors, which was recognised by Minister Park at the lunch.
He acknowledged the Humpty Wish List, which gives donors complete transparency. Every cent these people give goes to lifesaving medical equipment and they can see the results of their donation, meet with medical professionals and, sometimes, the families and children who have benefitted from their generosity and kindness.
Over 30 years, Humpty has raised more than 100 million dollars. Tens of thousands of lifesaving pieces of medical equipment has gone into paediatric wards, neonatal units and emergency departments in hospitals and health services across our country.
Not that you’d know this, talking to those who attended the lunch.
All they wanted to do was help kids and hospitals, and they certainly have.
And it’s not just individual donors who enable the Foundation to carry on its extraordinary lifesaving work; corporate donors play a critical role too.
For example, Humpty’s Corporate Partner, AVJennings, recently donated generous funds enabling Wyong Hospital on NSW’s Central Coast to bring in new lifesaving technology. This cutting-edge equipment will revolutionise care for patients who are suffering a life-threatening respiratory illness.
And while there’s a certain joy in receiving something, for people and companies who give to Humpty, be it for a breast pump or a reconditioned ambulance, find the feeling of satisfaction is immeasurable.
It’s a moment in life when we realise the impact giving can have on others.
Steve Liebmann with Patsy Allan and Paul Francis
Showcasing Humpty
Over the years, Humpty has made an extraordinary difference to the lives of sick children in hospital, bringing hope and joy when it is needed most. We’ve gathered some of our favourite memories to share the incredible impact of Humpty’s work with you.
About usHumpty's impact across Australia
60 Little Lives Saved
An Australian FirstMonash Children's Hospital
Join us on the hill2025 Balmoral Burn
Johanna Griggs AM & Ray Martin AM
Bob Holt's Lasting Legacy
A Tale of Twin Survival - Balmoral Burn
"Macksville District Hospital is a small regional NSW Maternity Service providing care to the youngest members of the local community. Having access to advanced equipment for infants who require resuscitation at birth, the donation of the Panda Resuscitation Warmer through Humpty and its generous supporters provides an opportunity for women to safely birth close to home and receive quality care with improved health outcomes across the entire Coffs Clinical Network."
Jennifer Darby, Maternity Unit Manager Coffs Clinical Network Midwifery Group Practice, NSW
"On behalf of the Paediatric Emergency Department at Fiona Stanley Hospital, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for the generous equipment donation from the Humpty Dumpty Foundation. We deeply appreciate your continued support, which allows us to provide the best possible care to our young patients."
Libby McNeilly, Associate Nurse Unit Manager, Emergency Department Fiona Stanley Hospital, WA
"As the number of mums and babies has increased so has our need for equipment to care for them. We are very grateful to have this monitor that can be used for both mother and baby."
Kate Fay, Midwifery Unit Manager Dalby Hospital, QLD
Humpty Dumpty Foundation
Phone: 1300 486 789 (1300 HUMPTY)
Email: humpty@humpty.com.au
humpty.org.au
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