Looking back at the kids who made Telethon shine – The West Australian

As this years Little Telethon Stars, Eva Molloy and Callum Berrisford have formed a special friendship ahead of their big weekend fronting WAs famous fundraiser.

They chat and giggle together like they have known each other for years, not just a few weeks.

But like all the Little Telethon Stars, who have been a constant feature throughout Telethons five-decade history, they are also children who have faced pain, suffering and disability.

Eva, 8, has spina bifida which has resulted in club feet, a controlled seizure disorder and bilateral hip dysplasia. She uses a wheelchair.

Callum was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at seven months. The treatment has left the 11-year-old with hearing loss, slow growth and missing adult teeth.

Telethon chairman Richard Goyder described his first Telethon weekend since he took over last year as inspiring, largely because of the Little Telethon Stars.

Id actually never had anything like it, he said. It just puts you on another level. It was just a great weekend. I really did enjoy my interaction with the two kids last year, Kaide and Charlotte.

You talk to their parents and you see firsthand what some of these people are going through.

Mr Goyder, who is also chairman of the AFL Commission, gas giant Woodside and national carrier Qantas, said Telethon was about taking time to care.

You think, gee whizz, I am, we are so lucky that were healthy, have got healthy children and an amazing lifestyle in WA, he said. We can actually do more to help those who really need it.

Most of us have either got family or friends who have got kids with medical conditions and I think Telethon gives us a moment to think, there are others who really need our help.

The first Telethon child, Maryanne Markham, then Maryanne Lazerides, was the youngest person to have open heart surgery, at just 11 months, in 1968.

Since then, Telethon has introduced WA to more than 80 children with a wide range of diseases, conditions and health issues.

Tayla Divitini said being chosen to be the Little Telethon Star in 2004 changed the course of her life. The 25-year-old has a genetic bone disorder, known as brittle bone syndrome, and cerebral palsy.

Even though it was only 24 hours, so much happened, she said. It was so much fun, even at the age of 10. It was amazing and I loved it.

She said her favourite moment was getting a kiss from then-Home and Away star Chris Hemsworth.

The experience prompted Ms Divitini to pursue studies and a career in the media.

Ms Divitini lives and works independently, thanks, she says, to intensive treatment when she was younger, and has recently bought her first home with her partner, Josh Smith.

Sadly, the nature of the Little Telethon Stars lives and experiences has meant that some of the children have already passed away.

Savanna Addis died in August 2018 at the age of 17 after a lifelong battle with Alagille syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting her liver and heart.

She was the 2011 Little Telethon Star and went on to help raise thousands of dollars for charity.

Brooke Arbery died in February this year, aged 43. Ms Arbery, who had cerebral palsy and was the Little Telethon Star in 1981, advocated for people with disabilities.

Channel 7 presenter Basil Zempilas, who has met dozens of Little Telethon Stars in his 26 years of hosting Telethon Weekend, said they reminded everyone why Telethon took place.

Its easy to get excited by the shenanigans on the panel, the million-dollar donations or waiting for your own donation to be read out, he said. Were reminded by our Little Telethon Stars what the whole 26 hours is about. Its about raising money to help children like them have a better life.

Mr Zempilas said the Little Telethon Stars made a connection with families watching at home and encouraged them to donate.

I try to connect them with the kids at home, he said. They go to school. They play sport. They do homework. I think if the kids at home understand that these are kids like them but they havent been quite as fortunate with their health, thats a really important connection.

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Looking back at the kids who made Telethon shine - The West Australian