Make a wish, make a difference this Christmas

I wish I didn’t have cancer. I wish I could be home with my brother for Christmas. I wish I could see my dog.

Every December, over 9,000 children receive life changing care at the Queensland Children's Hospital. One in two of these children come from regional and remote parts of the state. 

These are the wishes of brave children who are spending their holidays at the Queensland Children’s Hospital - away from their homes and loved ones - battling serious illness, injury or disease.

That's where you come in. 

ALH Hotels has been supporting the Children's Hospital Foundation for more than 10 years, raising over $1.5 million in that time. You’re back this Christmas – fundraising for your community after a record fundraising year in 2023, raising more than $400,000 for sick kids.

This Christmas, all funds raised will allow the Children's Hospital Foundation to continue to support essential care and the patient experience at Queensland Children's Hospital – fulfilling the wishes of our state's sickest children. 

Make a difference for kids like John

Diagnosed before birth with a severe neuromuscular disorder known as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), John entered the world under the heavy shadow of a condition that had previously taken the life of his sister, Hannah.

Carolyn and Steve welcomed their daughter Hannah in 2014. Just eight months and 22 days later, the two had to say goodbye.

At the time, there was no way to treat SMA, and the disease progressed relentlessly. For the Pearce family, the first clinical trials to treat SMA began shortly after Hannah’s passing – a bittersweet realisation that a potential treatment was just out of reach for their daughter.

Carolyn and Steve had to confront the heartbreaking thought that they might never be able to have another child for fear of losing them to the same fate. Yet in the years that followed, advancements in gene therapy offered a new glimmer of hope.

In 2018, the two welcomed their son Josiah, who did not inherit SMA. 

Then, in 2023, came John. This time, unlike with Hannah, there was a way to stop the disease.

At just five days old, John was treated with Zolgensma – a ground breaking gene therapy infusion that completely changed his life. 

Introducing your 2024 Christmas Appeal

From 1 October to 31 December 2024, you are invited to join Children's Hospital Foundation to make a wish, make a difference. Below you can find some helpful resources to support your fundraising efforts.

Getting you started

“Every year, thousands of brave children spend their holidays at the Queensland Children's Hospital - away from their homes and loved ones - battling serious illness, injury or disease.

"This year, your support can become a beacon of hope for children at Queensland Children's Hospital. You can help us continue to support essential care and the patient experience – you can fulfill their wishes. 

"We are so grateful for everything ALH Hotels have achieved for sick kids and cannot wait to see your incredible fundraising once again in 2024."

Lyndsey Rice, Children's Hospital Foundation CEO

Are you hosting a fundraising event? 

Register your event with our team via email to Jo Donaldson at jo.donaldson@childrens.org.au or at partnership@childrens.org.au or call us on 0418 710 211. We are here to support you!