TV favorite Dr. Chris Brown is a frequent visitor to Washington, but he returned this weekend for a special reason: a telethon.
“I’m not sure people in Western Australia realize that this event has a good reputation across the country,” said Brown, making his first appearance at the fundraising event.
“It’s incredible and sets the standard when it comes to fundraising, but it’s also an event run in such a fun, generous and kind way.
“There are so many good people at the heart of this and I think it’s a very impressive event, so I wanted to find out for myself exactly how it all worked.”
The 45-year-old received a special welcome from this year’s telethon’s little stars Connor Barrett, Emily Houston, Harrison Carthew and Sophia Marshall on Saturday as the 26-hour marathon prepared to kick off.
“The little telethon stars are outstanding characters and I am confident they will become television stars in the future,” Brown said.
“They are three times smaller than me, but they are full of joy and light. They are a good example of what we need to bring to this event.”
Ahead of his debut, Brown said he’d like to return next year, but joked that that could change once he sees the Telethon madness first-hand.
“I’d love to go back again, but ask me at 10pm, after three hours of lip-syncing, changing clothes and doing push-ups and I can barely walk, talk or talk – then things could be very different,” he said.
“The great secret of the Telethon will be revealed during the day.”
Children at Perth Children’s Hospital were treated to two days of high-profile visits.
After being visited by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday, it was the turn of Channel 7 stars on Saturday, including Natalie Barr, Matt Shirvington, Ant Middleton, Dr Harry Cooper, Edwina Bartholomew, Kylie Gillies and Katie Brown, who held start the day by giving some of Washington State’s sickest children reasons to smile.
They were joined by beloved children’s entertainer Emma Memma, West Coast Eagles star Oscar Allen and fan favorite Fat Cat.
Home and Away cast members including Lynne McGranger, Juliet Godwin, Stephanie Panozzo, Adam Rowland and Matt Evans were also at the hospital.
One of the star-struck children was little Coco Angeles-Cullingford, who got to play with her idol Emma Memma.
A four-year-old girl was hospitalized after receiving a bone marrow transplant that was her only chance to beat a rare and aggressive form of leukemia.
“She’s a big fan of Emma’s and only put the tutu on to show Emma,” her mom Annika said.
“The fact that celebrities come to visit brings joy during a really difficult time and gives them something to look forward to on days when they might be feeling low or sad.”
It’s been a tough three weeks for two-year-old Sophia Yuri, who contracted a Staphylococcus aureus infection after surgery to repair a hole in her heart.
But her mum Gemma said the difficult journey became a little easier when stars including McGranger, Middleton, Brown and Allen popped into her room.
“Lynn and Ant brought her a fat cat stuffed animal and a hat and she just lit up. She especially liked Lynn,” Ms. Jury said.
“Celebrities are such beautiful people and they really listened to what we were going through. It really brightened her day after she’s already had four surgeries and still has two or three more to go.”
Brown said the spirit of the Telethon was clearly visible during the hospital visit.
“It really brings meaning to the whole event and reminds everyone why we are here,” he said. “Hearing some of the stories brings back memories of the challenges people face on a daily basis and what some families endure is amazing.
“The children had a lot of conversations about animals, especially about the pets that are waiting for them at home, and it’s touching. They are eager to get better and return home to the animals they love so much.”
Eagles star Allen said he was inspired by the children’s bravery.
“It was a great opportunity to see kids going through tough times, but it’s amazing to see how strong they are. It’s a good reminder of why we’re doing the Telethon this weekend,” he said.
“I think I might also convert a Freo fan to the Eagles, which is always a positive.”
On Friday Mr Albanese praised the resilience of young patients at PCH. As he handed out pizza and garlic bread to teenagers in the oncology ward, he admired their courage.
“Beautiful children, wonderful caring parents and wonderful staff – just making a difference in the lives of these young people who are struggling,” Mr Albanese said. “But they are so resilient. And full of joy.”
Obviously, Mr. Albanese was touched by what he saw.
“Fergus and I got on great and I was able to deliver him pizza and garlic bread,” Mr Albanese said.
“And it was just a wonderful moment. Young Tina heard me on the radio. She heard me play Albo Bucks (a fundraising game for the Telethon on the radio) and met us later that day after getting treatment.
“Little children are just wonderful. The way they treat each other is really special.”
And he was effusive in his praise for Telethon in general.
“The thing about the Telethon is that it helps people who really need it – young children,” Mr Albanese said.
“The facilities at this hospital are extraordinary.
“The way parents and children spoke about the good care they receive and the enthusiasm of the staff who care for them is simply the best thing about Australia.
“It’s rewarding to see first-hand how every dollar makes a difference in the life of a young child and their family.”
Meeting the Prime Minister was a special moment for nine-year-old Delphi Jambasi, who has been unable to speak or move since having a brain tumor removed eight weeks ago.
“Years from now, when Delphi is in rehab, she will be able to look back and give herself a sense of positivity and confidence,” said her mom, Kelsey.
“It’s moments like these that make her feel special, being in a place where she fully understands but can’t communicate.
“We’ll be in the hospital for another six to eight months, so that was the impetus to help her get better.”
Mr. Albanese said he was honored to take part in the telethon.
“It’s such a privilege to be able to support this wonderful cause,” he said.
“And that’s something Western Australians should be really proud of.”
The head of the Children and Adolescent Health Service, Valerie Yovanovitch, was pleased that the Prime Minister was able to visit the country.
“It was a wonderful and exciting experience that they will never forget,” she said.