A spectacular two-storey home at Mount Duneed will go to a no-reserve auction to raise money for the Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal.
The auction is expected to raise more than $1 million and four Geelong Cats stars toured the home on Wednesday.
Skipper Patrick Dangerfield, vice-captain Tom Stewart, goal-kicking machine Jeremy Cameron and three-time AFLW best and fairest winner Amy McDonald got a first-hand perspective of how the money can help sick kids.
The spectacular 48sq Juno home by Henley at Villawood Properties’ award-winning Armstrong Mount Duneed estate will go to a no-reserve auction on April 18.
Among the kids lending their weight to the effort were heart patient Scarlett Dickson, 12, who underwent three open-heart surgeries in her first six months and another at four. The odds of survival were stacked 90 per cent against her.
Alex Luburic, at seven, battles complex health issues, some virtually unpronounceable, causing tumours on her nerves. She visits the hospital every month, undergoing an MRI every three, to check the status of her NF1, or neurofibromatosis type1.
“Thanks to medication she gets from the RCH, her tumour is shrinking,” says mum Maria.
“I can see first-hand where money goes and how it helps families like mine.
“We are lucky to have this hospital in our back yard. The care Alex has received has been amazing, I don’t know how to thank the RCH enough.” Emily Cooke, last year’s Face of the Good Friday Appeal, was delighted to join the fray once again promoting the appeal. She’s been admitted to the RCH more than 40 times with a rare brain tumour but keeps on keeping on, and enjoys all kinds of sport – even underwater hockey.
Born with aortic stenosis, a potentially fatal condition where the aortic valve narrows abnormally, Tommy had his first open heart surgery within 48 hours of his birth. A few hours later, he suffered a cardiac arrest and on day 15, he underwent a second life-saving operation.
The auction will be held Good Friday, 18 April, at 19 Electric Crescent, Mount Duneed. A giant family street party with food stalls, kids’ rides, music and entertainment is expected to draw up to 1000 people.
