Nine-year-old Kate is the picture of resilience and courage. She’s bubbly, mature and dreams of representing Australia in the Matilda’s yellow-and-gold alongside her idols Sam Kerr and Mary Fowler.

The reality is that right now in Australia, 1,800 families are waiting for an organ transplant - Kate was one of them.

Kate was a very happy baby and little sister until she was diagnosed with liver disease and her family’s world was turned upside down.

“We visited the GP for her 8-week immunisations when the doctor noticed her eyes were a little yellow. One day later we were told she was going into liver failure and would require a liver transplant before the age of one,'' recalls Clare, Kate’s mum.

Kate’s family were one of the lucky ones and received the priceless gift of an organ donation from a living donor. Unfortunately, it was unsuccessful and she arrived at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead (CHW) for second hope.

Scared and exhausted, Clare and Anthony placed all their trust in the internationally renowned Liver Transplant Unit at CHW, which is proudly supported by Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation (SCHF).

“I still remember the moment Kate’s surgeon came out of theatre smiling, saying the words we were all waiting for, ‘She’s going to be ok.’  We knew her second transplant would take longer because of the built-up scar tissue, but nothing can prepare you for that agonising wait’’ says Clare.

Today, Clare gets teary every time she remembers how close they were to losing Kate, the anchor and heartbeat of their young family.

‘’The anniversary of Kate’s transplant always brings up mixed emotions for us. Knowing every milestone, birthday and Christmas we celebrate was only made possible by a stranger’s loss is hard, but we’re determined to make every moment count.’’

Now, Clare and Anthony are sharing Kate’s story with SCHF to raise awareness about organ donation and the need for further research into post-transplant care.

‘’I am so grateful Kate’s priority is just spending time being a kid, playing with her friends at school and surfing with her brothers. But I can’t help thinking about her future and the impact lifelong medication will have on her body.’’

No child should ever go through illness or injury but those who do deserve our all.

It’s thanks to the generous support of our donors that SCHF can help ensure sick kids like Kate have access to the best possible care, now and into the future.

Whether funds are used for new equipment, training and education, groundbreaking research or building state-of-the-art facilities, support helps provide kids with the world-class healthcare they need and deserve - no matter where, no matter what.

Donate today to help change the future for sick kids like Kate.