health

It's the day the stars do silly things for amazing kids.

Karl Stefanovic’s promised to get a tattoo. You don’t have to do anything so drastic to help the Gold Telethon…

Today’s the day that celebrities lend their talents to the Nine Gold Telathon to raise money for the Sydney Children’s Hospital. So far this year, sportsmen  Brad Fittler and cricketer Michael Clarke are lending a hand as well as international celebrities Eva Longoria, Pharrell and The Wiggles.

Scott Cam dared his mate Karl Stefanovic to get a tattoo live on air if they raise $850k, and at time of writing, it’s looking likely.

It was just a few weeks ago that my son and I were at Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick in for his latest round of food allergy tests. We’ve been attending this amazing hospital for 10 years, sorting through his life-threatening food issues under the guidance of some of the best doctors in the country, if not the world.

During our time in waiting rooms there, we’ve met so many families whose children are dealing with a range of health issues. Each family cradles, comfort and entertains their child while they waiting for their turn to see doctors and specialists who can help their children face life with their unique health challenges.

Singer Pharrell lends his support to today's fundraiser

Each year Sydney Children's Hospital treats 80,000 sick and injured children. This hospital treats children from all over the country. Some families travel there themselves to seek the best possible care for their kids, other are flown in under emergency circumstances.

I met a family during our most recent visit who travels to the hospital each few months from Wagga Wagga. They stay in a local hotel so their little boy can access care.

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Little Abby is currently at the hospital after undergoing an operation on her arm. She is in the hospital's new 'short stay' ward which means families can stay with their children while they undergo treatment. This ward has been partially funded by money raised from this annual fundraising event.

The Nine Gold Telathon for Sydney Children's Hospital matters for all Australian families because this amazing hospital is leading the world when it comes to research and breakthroughs into many childhood illnesses such as food allergies, cancer and reconstructive surgery.

Cricketer Michael Clarke supports the Nine Gold Telathon

It just takes one visit to Sydney Children's Hospital to realise how important it is for us to all contribute to the needs of sick kids. They are our most vulnerable and knowing they can receive the care they need when they need it is a true mark of society at it's most successful.

To donate please call 1800 244 537 or visit their website at goldtelathon.org.au.

We've all accessed medical care for our children. Leave your shout outs for amazing doctors, nurses, hospitals and medical centres below.

There are always so many celebrities who donate their time to this annual event. Check out the amazing celebrities involved this  year.

Images courtesy of Nine Network.