Tamworth shows support with country music concert
5 November 2010 saw the inaugural launch of Miracle Babies Foundation community awareness events in Tamworth, New South Wales. The Miracle Music Concert was held at West’s on Friday night where the 80 guests were treated to an intimate and fantastic performance by Melinda Schneider, winner of 6 Golden Guitar Awards. Melinda is thrilled to support Miracle Babies Foundation and delighted that family support services are to be set up for families in the Tamworth area. Local artist Dale Duncan also performed and gave insight into his family’s journey when his daughter, Phoebe was born premature in 2003 at only 28 weeks gestation weighing a tiny 770 grams.
Local mother Adina Hanley spoke of her experience when her son, Lachlan was born premature at 26 weeks. “I lived at Newcastle for 6 months while Lachlan was cared for in the NICU at the John Hunter Hospital. To have had the support offered by Miracle Babies Foundation during this time would have been so helpful. The 1300 MBABIES hotline is so important for families to access support no matter where they live and to be able to connect with other families that have had a similar experience can be so comforting and really help you through the journey. I am so excited to be part of setting up services in the Tamworth area. I invite all families of premature and sick newborns to contact Miracle Babies Foundation and get involved.“ Adina said.
Beverley Schipp of Tamworth Shoppingworld Newsagency attended the event and said “What a great night! I have been involved with Miracle Babies Foundation since its formation in 2005 after 3 of my grandchildren were born premature and we are so thrilled that support services will be available to local families. Melinda was superb and we are all touched by her support. Dale Duncan was also great and it was very touching for him to share his experience with his daughter who was born premature.”
Miracle Babies Foundation National Communications Manager, Kylie Pussell said "What a great way to launch our organisation in Tamworth. The local community has been very supportive and we are so thankful to West’s, Harvey Norman, the Edward Parry Motel, the musicians and also Peter Izod who volunteered his time in coordinating the event. We are also very grateful to Adina Hanley, Dale Duncan and the wonderful Melinda Schneider who supported the event and we are confident of the positive outcome of the event leading to greater support from the Tamworth community. We are very honoured in supporting families through the emotional journey of having a premature or sick newborn and we encourage these families to contact us and access our free services. A huge thanks also to those who attended on the night, it is great to have their support."