Weekend walk for Life’s Little Treasures

ANNUALLY in Australia, just under fifty thousand babies are born very unwell, or prematurely before thirty-seven weeks gestation.

To recognise these children and their families, and raise funds for the Life’s Little Treasures Foundation that supports them, the 12th Walk for Prems is on the move this Sunday, 24 October.

Foundation CEO Felicia Welstead said Ballarat people can take part in a COVID safe virtual walk to acknowledge and assist the families of premature babies who might be isolated in the current climate.

“The theme of this year’s walk is Together Again for Prems, and that is exactly what we will be doing, coming together, both physically and virtually, to raise awareness and much needed funds for families of premature and sick babies,” she said.

In May of last year, Carly Delalande was 24 weeks pregnant when her water broke.

Initially at the Base Hospital, the was transferred to the Royal Women’s in Melbourne where she gave birth to her son a week later.

“I knew I’d have Lewis early, so we chose his name as it means famous or renowned warrior, and we knew he’d have to fight,” she said.

“Lewis was in hospital for 135 days. We had to stay in accommodation near the hospital in Melbourne and were supported by Life’s Little Treasures.

“They do a lot of things for parents, like free breakfasts in the tearoom, a blanket when the babies turn 100 days old, books, online services and support network meetings. They’re really good to families, and give out packs when you first have your baby.

Born 16 months ago, Ms Delalande said Lewis is going well. He is “hitting all his milestones,” with the support of a specialist team in Ballarat.

“They gave his age from his due date… so he’s really only 13 months old, but he’s walking along furniture, crawling, and doing all the things he should be doing,” she said.

Team Lewis has their own Walk for Prems fundraising campaign at bit.ly/3FIFAEJ.