A PATTERSON Lakes family grateful for care by Monash Medical Centre staff when daughter Taylah was diagnosed with leukaemia are raising money to help the hospital.
Vanessa Miranda says she began the annual Biggest Playdate fun day after Taylah was treated for leukaemia four years ago.
“It is only now that we are out of the chaos of cancer treatment that I truly see the emotional toll it had on our family unit,” she said.
“My younger children were three and four when Taylah was diagnosed at 14. They got used to a life of not knowing what we were doing – whether Taylah was home or in hospital – or whether we needed to drop everything and go to the hospital.”
She said the support from Monash Medical Centre staff was “amazing”.
“Not only do we have world-class doctors there, saving the lives of our children. But they are in paediatrics knowing that they need to support the whole family unit, and they do that so well. Their staff are so supportive and nurturing.”
Ms Miranda says she was inspired to start The Biggest Playdate event to give something back to hospital staff.
“This event is a community one, no one makes any profit from it. Everyone has volunteered their time, or donated their products and money to fund the rides and activities.”
She said nearly $150,000 has been raised for the hospital to date.
The FOX FM radio station truck will be at this year’s Biggest Playdate and children will be entertained by Moana, Emmett from The Lego Movie, Superman, Wonder Woman and a visit from the Easter Bunny.
Stormtroopers featured in the Star Wars movies will also make an appearance.
- The Biggest Playdate will be held at St Joseph’s Primary School, Chelsea on Saturday 24 March at 11am-3pm. See gofundme.com/the-biggest-playdate online or call 9773 3647. All donations are tax deductible.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 21 March 2018
