It’s been 10 years since the RCH saved Finley Warren’s life. Determined to give back to the hospital as a thank you for the care he received, Fin aims to raise $10,000 by busking and bike riding from Maffra to Melbourne.

Ten years ago, doctors confirmed what they’d suspected: Fin had Long-Gap Oesophageal Atresia, meaning that his oesophaus wasn’t connected to his stomach. Fin was admitted to the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) unable to be fed orally or swallow his own saliva without choking. Three major surgeries and around-the-clock care were needed to connect Fin’s oesophagus to his stomach and get him well.

“With every birthday, we reminisce about those difficult early days. The rawness of the emotions can make it seem like Fin’s arrival was just yesterday and I’m not sure that that feeling will ever fade,” said Kelly Warren, Fin’s mum.

Despite the cold this July, The Big Roast for Cystic Fibrosis has been heating things up! Now in its third year, The Big Roast invites Victorians to host a roast meal for loved ones as a fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) research at the RCH. This year's event has fundraised over $20,000, handily beating last year's record.

The fundraiser was started by Kirsty and Stephen Bowness whose two children, Liam and Grace, both have CF. CF is a chronic genetic condition that primarily affects the lungs and pancreas by clogging them with thick and sticky mucus. There is no cure for CF, but ongoing research has developed better ways to treat the condition, helping CF patients lead longer and better lives.

Determined to fund the cure, the Bowness’ have inspired the Yarra Valley community into hosting a roast dinner with loved ones to raise money for crucial CF research. This year Crumbz Craft and The Beef Joint in Healesville, Fergusson Winery in Dixon’s Creek, The Singing Gardens of C.J. Dennis in Toolangi and The Toolangi Tavern all got on board. Hosting Big Roast events, coordinating raffles and donating food, each business went over and above to support CF research for kids like Liam and Grace.

“We have been completely overwhelmed by the astounding support of our local community, as well as supporters across Australia,” said Kirsty. This year has really shown us what's possible when good people come together for a common cause. What an extraordinary experience it has been! We are already looking ahead to next year in the hopes of getting more people in their kitchens cooking up a yummy roast for CF.”

Caring for critically ill infants, children and young people from Victoria and across the country, the RCH Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) is an exceptional place. Highly-trained staff and cutting-edge technology are essential to saving lives. As is philanthropy.

“Every piece of equipment in PICU that makes it remarkable, that makes it the place you want your child to go when they need intensive care, has been funded through philanthropy,” says Mark Hochmann, Senior Technologist.

One such piece of equipment is the Oesophageal Pacemaker. Supported by Courage 4 Kids Auxiliary, this equipment plays an important role in life-saving care for children with cardiac pacing issues.