The Sydney Swans' youngest fan.

18 January 2024 | Expected time to read: 3 minutes

Abigail and her mum Adrienne at the Sydney Swans HQ

When Team Abigail the Brave aren’t proudly donning their Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation (SCHF) running singlets at City2Surf, the family are often cheering the Sydney Swans on from the SCG stands, dressed in red and white, at every home match.

For the close-knit Giannini family, attending Sydney Swans’ games is a long-standing family tradition. So, it was only fitting that when Adrienne announced she was pregnant with Abigail, Rosalie and Russell quickly registered their first grandchild ‘Baby Giannini’ as a Bloods’ member before she was even born!

“It was a no brainer. Her mum Adrienne has been a Sydney Swans’ member for over 24 years, and we were so excited to secure a ‘Baby Giannini’ seat in the members’ stand next to us," says Abigail’s grandmother, Rosalie.

Left to right: Abigail and her mum Adrienne at a Swans game, Abigail in a Swans onesie

After hearing all about Team Abigail the Brave’s passion for the Sydney Swans, this week SCHF was thrilled to invite the family to the Sydney Swans’ HQ for a once in a lifetime experience and surprise… joining the annual team photo.

Adrienne says, ‘’I couldn’t believe it. We were so excited to just see all of the behind-the-scenes action, from the locker room and gym to trophy cabinets. So when we were asked to join the team photo I was speechless.’’

Abigail and her dad at Sydney Swans HQ
Abigail and family with the Sydney Swans for a team photo

‘’Abigail may not remember the experience but our family will never forget it. Hopefully the boys have gained some helpful tips from her grandmother that sees us bring home the flag in 2024. Go the Swans!’

Abigail’s family hold these memories extra close after her long and ongoing healthcare journey. Born with a rare condition called Hypopituitarism, two-year-old Abigail’s body needs extra help producing critical hormones like cortisol, growth hormone and thyroid hormone. Without medication her condition can be life-threatening.

Since March 2023, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation has proudly partnered with the Sydney Swans to raise awareness of the critical services provided by Sydney’s two children’s hospitals, who care for sick kids like Abigail.

To learn more about our partnership and how Sydney Swans are going all in for kids’ health, click here.

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