Bailey's Day: From Family Tragedy a Million Reasons to Hope
Understandably, most parents who lose a child find it hard to breathe, get out of bed in the morning and keep going day in day out.However one family’s extraordinary commitment to a cause close to their hearts has turned their personal tragedy into a million dollars for paediatric cancer.
In February 2004 Patrick and Kerryn Tessier’s entire world was shattered after learning that their little boy Bailey who was not yet two years old, had a brain tumour.
Sadly, although Bailey faced cancer head on and fought with all he had, he passed away in July that year in his mother’s arms.
Patrick started immediately on channelling his grief to give a special meaning to Bailey’s short life.
He began working on holding a charity golf day - Bailey’s Day and the first one was held that year in 2004, raising $110,000 for Monash Children’s Cancer Centre.
While Bailey is not here now, his memory has become a legacy. His devoted parents are committed to improve the chances of the many little Baileys who exist today.
Since 2004 Bailey’s Day has raised over a million dollars for Monash Children’s Cancer Centre and has funded the training of eleven oncologists.
This support has allowed the Cancer Centre to care for more children who are receiving life saving treatment and has helped paediatric cancer patients world-wide as these oncologists travel, work and educate internationally.
The impact of Bailey’s Day for Monash Children’s Cancer Centre is so important to the level of care provided to these patients during their cancer journey – the difference this one man and this one day has had will benefit paediatric patients for years to come.
Patrick’s remarkable efforts were recognized this year, named as a finalist for the Pride of Australia Care and Compassion medal.
Though he was humbled to be nominated, his ultimate goal has never wavered- to continue to grow the charity and find a cure for cancer.
Bailey’s Day:
Date: December 6
Location: Woodlands Golf Club
Bailey’s Day’s major fundraising comes from auction items sold at the golf day – they are still searching for items to auction.
For further information please call:
Georgina Heaslip, Fundraising and Public Affairs Officer, Monash Children’s on 9594 2735