1. society
2. welfare
3. healthcare
4. hospital

Children’s Medical & Research Foundation Newsletter
Current Fundraising Appeals:
 Plaster Saw
 St Michael’s Ward
 Cancer Genetic
Research Programme
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Inside this issue:
Dear Friends Letter from CEO David Doran 2
Thanks to You Thank you for the Music/New Entrance/St. Michael’s Ward/MRCG 2
Friends of Crumlin Inspired Fundraising Ideas From Around the Country 4
Corporate News Musgrave Triathlon/Diageo Triathlon 7
2010 Overseas Challenges Our Exciting New Challenges for the New Year 8
Kilometres for Kids Diary of a Dedicated Fundraiser/Kilometres for Kids News 10
Crumlin Heroes Stephen Butler 11
Help Crumlin Kids What’s On /Share your Story /Tax Efficient Giving 12
2010 Overseas Adventures
Join us in 2010 for one of our many
adventures and have your kilometres
translated into vital funds for Crumlin kids
Winter 2009
For nearly twenty years now, we have
trekked, walked, jogged and pedalled
our way through the continents and
raised much needed funds for our
extraordinary hospital. We have helped
generations of sick children, providing
state of the art equipment, renovating
and expanding our facilities and
deepening our knowledge in paediatric
medicine through life saving research.
We are delighted to be able to announce
our challenges for 2010 and we hope
that one of our adventurous itineraries
excites and inspires you. Read more
inside. We want our walkers to enjoy
the finest walking trails of Seattle USA
or to join us on the most exotic and
stunning adventure walks in Rio, Brazil
whilst our cyclists can say ‘ciao’ to the
charms of the Italian countryside. Those
interested in testing their limits with
marathons or triathlons can choose from
top destinations London, Chicago or
New York.
Our 2010 challenges have something
for everyone. So why wait? Request our
overseas brochure, take the first step,
call today and help support our Crumlin
Kids by having your kilometres translated
into vital funds for our hospital.
www.cmrf.org | lo-call 1890 507 508 | info@cmrf.org 1
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Dear Friends,
Christmas is one of the busiest times in our
Emergency Department. Serious illness,
choking episodes, winter bugs, outdoor
accidents, respiratory emergencies – they
all happen to our children. But thanks to
you and your generosity we have raised the
necessary funds to expand our Emergency
Department so that your child is dealt with
as quickly and effectively as is possible all
year around. Thank you.
For most families and children, the
Emergency Department is their first
experience of hospital. And it can be a
daunting place for any child. So for doctors
and nurses the priority is to reassure the
family and deal with the child’s needs as
quickly and sensitively as is possible.
As a result of all of your hard work by
taking part in our adventures overseas,
pounding the pavements for fun runs,
marathons and the like, hosting gala balls,
table quizzes, motorcycle runs, tractor runs,
you have raised enough money for us to
deliver crucial additional space. I would
like to extend a particular thank you to our
corporate partners Musgrave and the INTO
whose efforts you can read about here
and also to those who responded to our
Emergency Department Appeal. By setting
up a direct debit and giving monthly you
allow us to plan for the future. To all those
who have played their part, a very big thank
you. You have played a very important role
in giving us the opportunity to enhance the
quality of care that a sick child receives.
Your efforts will ensure that the state
of the art extension will have five extra
assessment/treatment rooms and a
dedicated area for more minor injuries and
illness as well as better working facilities
to assist our dedicated staff. The new
facility will be completed by January 2010.
If you would like to find out more about
our Emergency Department Build please
contact one of our team on info@cmrf.org.
Thank you again from all the team. I would
also like to wish you and all yours a safe and
happy Christmas and best wishes for the
New Year.
Kind regards,
David Doran CEO
2 www.cmrf.org | lo-call 1890 507 508 | info@cmrf.org
‘Thank you for the Music’
“Music Therapy changed
(her) from being in her
own world to now being
interested in what is
going on around her.”
Just two of the many comments received
from the parents of children who have
availed of our Music Therapy Service here
in Crumlin. Music Therapy uses music to
address physical, emotional, cognitive,
and social needs of our patients. It has
been proven to be of great benefit to both
our in- and out patients.
The Music Therapy Unit has been open
since 1993 when it was established
with the help of Chris De Burgh. But
recently with your help, we have been
able to supply it with new and specially
designed premises. Our fabulous music
therapists, Trudi Carberry and Aine Flynn
are thrilled with their new home. “The area
is custom designed for us and gives us
separate office space, as well as plenty
of storage areas; this is important as we
need to keep the clinical area as flexible
as possible”.
“Through the generosity of many
fundraisers, the Children’s Medical &
Research Foundation has been able to
purchase a lovely grand piano for the unit.
This gives the staff new opportunities
to maximize the efficiency of the service
by exploiting the wonderful resonances
“I think this staggering
progress is in large part
down to the confidence
he got and the fun he had
with music. I really cannot
thank you enough ...”
the piano offers. It benefits all the unit’s
patients but particularly those with
hearing loss and sensory difficulties
who can more easily touch and feel the
musical sounds because of the large
flat surface area of the piano and the
accessibility of the vibrating strings.”
In spite of the fact that the Music Therapy
Unit is open for just 2 days each week
there has been an increase in the number
of patients who are treated. ‘We have
concentrated over the last year or so in
raising awareness of the unit within the
hospital departments and wards and we
now receive increased requests for in
patient appointments. We try to make
this our priority while still maintaining
important links to community services,
which have referred children to the unit
since its inception.’
We want to thank you so much for
supporting us. There will be an open
day in the Music Therapy Unit during
January. All are welcome to come
along and view the upgraded facilities.
If you want to know more, please
contact our fundraising team.
New Entrance
Every year over 100,000 patients come
through our hospital doors here in Crumlin
but on recent visits our patients are
experiencing something entirely new – a
transformation, of sorts.
Gone are the dark hues on the wall, the long boxy
corridor, instead the main building’s interior, has
up
received a total facelift and has been opened
ming
welco
and
ous
spaci
to be a brighter more
interior. And the verdict? The kids love it.
And that is exactly what officials, architects
and designers of the entrance intended to
approach the building from a distance and see
the brightness and colours and feel positive
y
and welcomed. It’s a place they can emotionall
been
have
we
you
to
ks
empathise with. Than
able to create that space. Thank you.
St Michael’s Ward
St Michael’s ward is a 22 bedded ward which caters for children
with varying medical conditions that are chronic /long term illness
which may require frequent or prolonged hospital stays. Thanks to
you and in particular to Tipp FM and our Ladies’ Committee, (read
more about their efforts in this newsletter), the Children’s Medical &
Research Foundation has been able to commit and help with plans
to revise the current parent facilities and to up-grade the sitting
and coffee room in St Michael’s Ward to allow parents get valuable
time to refresh while not being too far away from their child. Your
generous funds will support and help meet the gold standard as set
out by HIQA,
• T
he bathroom and showers will be upgraded with
improved wheel chair accessibility to same
• There will be new floor covering through out, to remove
the old dark lino from yester year and create a clean fresh
environment on floors and walls
• The new facilities will allow for wall mounting of certain
equipment to allow more space for staff and family
• We aim to create a dining area for children to meet with
other inpatients and maintain normal social patterns
among their peers
• We hope, if funds allow, to upgrade our old TVs to allow
for entertainment, to minimise the negative effects of
long boring days of hospitalisation.
If you want to help the patients and families of St Michael’s, please
call our fundraising team on 01 4096300.
Medical Research Charities Group
The Children’s Medical & Research Foundation is a member of
the Medical Research Charities Group. The MRCG has lodged
a pre-Budget Submission with the Department of Finance
that outlines the requirements for continued State funding in
medical research in the current recessionary environment.
The Minister and Department of Health have promoted the
importance of patient-focused, charity-led research through
the instigation of the MRCG / HRB Joint Funding Scheme.
This innovative scheme is available through a €1m allocation to the
base of the HRB Budget. In our pre-Budget Submission we called
for this funding to be guaranteed for the future. In addition, we called
on the attention of the Government to the requirement for continued
funding of a research friendly health care environment that will result
in better patient outcomes and care, in addition to contributing to the
knowledge economy. The State will get greater returns for the funds
invested by continuing and developing further the existing MRCG/
HRB joint funding scheme and will be recognised for actively
engaging with and acknowledging the role that patient organisations
play in the research and development of treatments that are of
critical importance to them.
www.cmrf.org | lo-call 1890 507 508 | info@cmrf.org 3
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Macroom A.F.C Score for Crumlin Kids
Ballyadams Shows Its Measure
On Saturday 15th of August, members and friends of Macroom
Soccer Club togged out to raise money for Our Lady’s Children’s
Hospital in Crumlin. Six teams took part in the adult blitz, with Wilton,
Coachford, Ballyvolane and Droumree joining Macroom 1st and 2nd
teams. Wilton beat Ballyvolane in the final on penalties after a well
contested game ended in a draw. We want to thank all the clubs for
giving up their time to take part in the blitz. Our very own Nicola O
Sullivan presented the Kenny’s Jewellers trophy to the winning Wilton
captain John Daly.
Ballyadams may be a small parish in Laois but it is no
reflection on its power as a community!
It wasn’t just the grown ups however
that played their part. The juniors
togged out also on the day with four
teams taking part in a schoolboy’s
blitz, with ‘Team Dynamite’ the eventual
winners. There was so much other stuff
on the day with a host of food stalls,
bouncy castles and mini games to
keep the crowd entertained. Everyone
had a great day and a grand total of
€6,000 was raised for Crumlin’s sick
kids. Thanks to all the teams.
Martin Dempsey junior is our very own little patient for the past 3
and a half years. He is still undergoing treatment with us here in
St John’s Ward. Martin and his family wanted to do something for
leukaemia research understanding its fundamental importance in
improving and assisting in the treatment of leukaemia. They also
wanted to help the ward that Martin visits so regularly.
Together with their hardworking community they raised a staggering
€29,135! That on top of what they have to go through as a family. I
don’t think we can really describe Ballyadams as a small parish now!
The size of their heart is as big and as generous as any town in the
land. Thank you Ballyadams and thank you to Martin jr and his Mam
and Dad, Martin and Sarah Dempsey.
BMW 318i Car Raffle
Teachers for Kids
30th in the
This year’s car raffle took place on October
ital, Crumlin.
Hosp
ren’s
Child
’s
Lady
Our
at
r
Towe
Medical
The INTO under the stewardship of John Carr has built a strong and
lasting relationship between the national school teachers and the
hospital over the last two decades. They have raised well in excess €1m
in this time. Their generosity can be felt throughout the hospital and this
year they donated €127,000 that went in to fund the completion of our
expansion of the Emergency Department. Go raibh mile maith agaibh.
We welcome your unyielding commitment to sick kids.
tive of the
The winning ticket was pulled by the Chief Execu
Shane
man,
Chair
CMRF
our
with
istle
Birth
Hospital, Lorcan
Our
nt.
prese
Molloy and Chief Executive, David Doran also
t
Ticke
Cork.
Co
in
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winner of the BMW 318i was F O’Re
in
part
took
who
one
every
to
number: D132221. Thanks
ts around the
this year’s raffle and for selling so many ticke
.
country. You really help make the difference
4 www.cmrf.org | lo-call 1890 507 508 | info@cmrf.org
Tractors for Kids
Down in Ballyragget back in 2006 a group of keen tractor
drivers came together to raise funds for Crumlin. Their first
trip in July 2006 took them to Waterford, a modest trip in
their eyes but it was so successful that €22,000 later they
decided that they could do even better! They have grown
along with their collection. Now taking the route to Mullingar,
they have in the region of 25 collectors, 6 tractors and
drivers and two cyclists. But it’s not just the collection. Over
the two days they also organise a really successful night with
an auction and raffle in Fitzpatrick’s Bar. Everyone works
hard to make sure it costs as little as possible (cutting sticks,
making hampers, begging for raffle prizes, even losing their
hair . . .) They have raised a total of approx €110,000 on the
runs to Mullingar! Everyone in the group is so committed to
raising money for Crumlin and the entire trip is self funded
(including the overnight stay). Next year the Ballyragget crew
are looking forward to doing something bigger and better
for their five in a row. So if you should spy them, beep your
horns, shout the name of Ballyragget and give it up for their
commitment to our sick kids. Sincere thanks and praise to
everyone involved in this very successful charity event. They
have done us so proud.
Ladies Raise Over €13,000
The Ladies Committee organised
their annual Harvey Nichols Beauty
Evening and Dinner and raised in
excess of €13,000. The proceeds
will go towards the refurbishment
of St Michaels Ward. This is a
22 bedded ward which caters
for children with varying medical
conditions including Diabetes, Cystic Fibrosis, Haemophilia,
Sickle Cell Disease and Juvenile Rheumatology arthritis.
If you want or would like to help by becoming part of a
committee we would love to hear from you. Please contact
Anna Kinsella at admin@cmrf.org
Tipp Fm day raises over €50,000
Tipp may not have pulled off this year’s hurling final but boy
did they manage to pull it off for Crumlin’s kids. €51,000!!!
The hardworking team at Tipp Fm and the huge number of
volunteers are a credit to the county!
This day of fundraising countywide was the Grande Finale of a whole
series of fundraising events that took place throughout Tipperary
during September. The number of events organised was astounding.
From Golf classics, to a sponsored silence, to coffee mornings to cake
sales to sponsored walks to a sponsored tattoo live on air – all of these
added greatly to the funds raised. On the day itself in September, the
Tipp Fm team and a busload of volunteers set off from the Tipp Fm
Studios at first light and did a whistle-stop tour of the county. People
came out in large numbers to greet the convoy which eventually landed
back at Tipp Fm studios in Clonmel a full 12 hours later!
Commenting on the success of Tipp Fm day, Ethel Power CEO of
Tipp FM said: “The level of support was unbelievable and once again
people from Tipperary proved how amazingly generous they are and in
some places they followed us along the road to make their generous
donations.” We at CMRF couldn’t put it better. Thank you Tipperary.
The funds raised from this year’s Tipp Fm day will go to St Michael’s
ward, a 22 bedded ward which caters for children with varying
medical conditions that are chronic /long illness which may require
frequent or prolonged hospital stays.
www.cmrf.org | lo-call 1890 507 508 | info@cmrf.org 5
notice to get ready for our
We want to give you and your schools plenty of
What used to be ‘Jump for Joy’
.
2010
April
in
Kellogg’s Fun Raise 4 Kids Week
we hope with the help of our very
is now called Kellogg’s Fun Raise 4 Kids and
newsletter that it will be an even
own fundraising hero Stephen featured in our
now in its 16th year encourages
nge
bigger and better event in 2010. The challe
ry to get active while raising
count
the
t
ghou
secondary school students throu
nts have participated in this
funds for the hospital. To date over 100,000 stude
of our most popular events on
initiative which has raised over €2m. This is one
Everyone in the schools seem
fun.
most
the calendar and seems to generate the
seems to enhance every
g
ipatin
partic
and
nge
to thoroughly enjoy the challe
register for this nationwide
one’s camaraderie in the school. Your school can
event by calling us on 01 4096300.
Chip in for Kids
Chatterbox - Recycle for Crumlin Kids
You know that old phone in the drawer, you see that iPod that died a death and those
print cartridges that just litter the desk, why not give them to us? We REALLY REALLY
want them. You know why? Because every time you donate one to us, you are actually
giving support to Crumlin’s Kids. Just on donating your phone alone we could buy a
small gift for a sick child. So what do you have to lose? Make their Christmas special,
use the enclosed envelope and return your old mobile phone, ipod or print cartridges
freepost to the Chatterbox Recycling Appeal. Thank you.
The final of our National Corporate Golf
Tournament was held in the beautiful Mount
Juliet on Monday 28th of September.
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12 teams of four competed on a balmy September
day. The winners of the day, with a magnificent
score of 94 points stableford, were The Griffin
Group who qualified for the finals by winning our
Dublin event at the Royal Dublin Golf Club.
The runners up were “Cocoon” (with 91pts) who
won at Cork Golf club (probably the only time
Dublin have beaten Cork). In third place with
89 points was the Intel team (winners in Naas).
The special individual prize was won by Ian
McGuinness of Roganstown with 36 points.
The worst team score was 73 points but fair play
for turning up! Wooden spoon in the post! As they
said in the TV show Dragnet “The names have
been saved to protect the innocent.”
If you want to chip in for kids or would like to help
by becoming part of a committee we would love to
hear from you. Please contact Alan Higgins at 087
2766122 or contact golf@cmrf.org
6 www.cmrf.org | lo-call 1890 507 508 | info@cmrf.org
g your
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Corporate N
Annual Musgrave Triathlon
Diageo Triathlon
In September hundreds of people
turned out at Farran Woods, Co.
Cork to take part in the annual
Musgrave Triathlon. Now in its
eight year, the event has raised a
whopping €2.7 million to date for
Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital,
Crumlin and the Irish Cancer
Society. The Musgrave Triathlon is a huge event in our calendar. It
means so much to us in terms of the amount raised and the use we
can put to the money, in making a difference to the lives of very sick
children. Musgrave HR Director, Shea Fahy and Rugby personality
Rocky Elsom presented a cheque for €250,000 to David Doran,
CEO, Children’s Medical and Research Foundation, Crumlin
and John McCormack, CEO, The Irish Cancer Society. With the
endorsement of the company and its enthusiastic staff members
and retail partners, we have committed the money raised from this
Triathlon to complete the expansion of our emergency department.
It is amazing to see what one organisation can do when there is the
commitment and focus of all involved to raising funds for very worthy
causes. If your company wants to partner with us to help sick kids
please contact our corporate manager Johann Fox jfox@cmrf.org.
Diageo Ireland employees organised the
12th annual Guinness Triathlon in aid of
Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin in
the Phoenix Park in October. Despite the
wet and windy weather conditions almost
200 participants took part and raised over
€50,000 for our tiny patients which was their
biggest year to date. Over the past eleven
years, over €300,000 has been raised by
the Diageo staff and triathlon participants.
Organised by an internal committee of volunteers, the huge staff
involvement is testament to the enthusiasm generated internally by
the Diageo committee and a great deal of thanks is awarded to this
hard-working unit. “It has been a privilege working on such a fun
event that raises money for Crumlin’s kids, translating our kilometres
into vital funds for the hospital”, said Niamh Cashel committee
member and triathlon participant.
Our sincere thanks to Diageo for their hard work and commitment
in making this event possible and their on-going support of our work
here in Crumlin.
Together we can and
will make a difference
What’s good for your business can
also be good for our Crumlin kids
Each and every day sick children from all over Ireland
come through the doors of Our Lady’s Children’s
Hospital, Crumlin and benefit from the expertise of
our world class medical team.
Leave a Gift in Your Will and
Help Heal the Littlest Hearts
Childhood is so precious, and when a child suffers from
a childhood illness or disease, it can change their lives
forever. Hopes and dreams can be lost and precious
potential could be wasted.
The Children’s Medical & Research Foundation helps our most vulnerable
children by way of providing life saving support for sick children in Our
Lady’s Children’s Hospital, and the Children’s Research Centre, Crumlin.
A long term gift is a wonderful way to support the things you care about
most, now and after you’re gone. Please help make all the difference and
contact our legacy executive in the Foundation. They will be happy to help.
The Children’s Medical & Research Foundation
Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin
14–18 Drimnagh Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12
T: 01 409 6300 | F: 01 455 1045
Yet there are other important members of the team,
members just as important as the doctors and nurses
in our hospital, and they are Crumlin’s generous
partners in business. Their funds have contributed
to buying life-saving state of the art equipment and
funding vital research.
Irish businesses have recognised that customers don’t
just prefer to deal with responsible companies, they
insist on it. As one of Ireland’s most respected charities,
Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin wants to help
continue this partnership with Irish business.
To find out more about how you and your business can build
long lasting partnerships that can both enhance your business
and help save sick children’s lives, contact our Corporate
Fundraising Manager Johann Fox on 01-4096300 or on
jfox@cmrf.org
We were overwhelmed by the response that Homestead’s
‘Home from Home’ Campaign had. The response of our members,
staff, retailers and customers was second to none- Our message
to our retailers and loyal customers was it is simply good to give
back….Be a Part of It …Every Purchase counts!
Tom Shipsey, CEO Stonehouse
www.cmrf.org | lo-call 1890 507 508 | info@cmrf.org 7
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8 www.cmrf.org | lo-call 1890 507 508 | info@cmrf.org
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www.cmrf.org | lo-call 1890 507 508 | info@cmrf.org 9
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Kilom
Norway Motorcycle challenge
Diary of a Dedicated
Fundraiser
– Pat Cunningham
Wow, what a trip. Over 35 friends of
the Children’s Medical & Research
Foundation, Crumlin embarked on a
challenge of travelling the length of
Norway as far as its capital Oslo in seven
days this autumn. We saw it all! The
twistiest, windiest roads of Norway’s
most famous road ‘The Trollstigen’ gave
way to the beauty of Geiranger, nestled
amid the most picture-perfect glaciated
valley you ever could see.
Our party was a mixture of old faces and new
ones that added bursts of energy on a daily
basis and kept us going through the tougher
stages of the trip when spirits needed to be
lifted. I never thought I would eat homemade
banana bread in Norway, this given to the
group in Bergen having been cooked by our
chef Clodagh McKenna. She joined us on
the trip along with a number of other familiar
faces but they settled in like they had been
fundraising for decades!
I did the trip, all 2000km, on a BMW 800ST
machine and it was wonderful to be so close
to the scenery and culture of Norway at every
twist and turn. Stavanger and Dalen were my
highlights. The trip finished at the Irish embassy
in Oslo and there was a lump in my throat later
that night as Rosaleen and Jim Boyle, who had
lost a child themselves and been fundraisers
for many years, spoke to everyone about why
Crumlin means so much to them.
Great group of people, great bunch of
organisers and I am so proud to have done all
this for Crumlin children’s hospital. I want to
keep fundraising for the kids so I’ve just put
together a calendar featuring kids from all over
the country and their parents, which I’m hoping
will raise a lot more money for the hospital. You
can contact me through the CMRF office for
more information on how to purchase one!
More Kilometres for Kids News
Our Dublin City Marathon heroes
Led by Dublin’s 98 Presenter, Declan
Pierce, 180 runners donned their
running gear and ran Dublin City
Marathon the October Bank Holiday
Weekend. That’s a whopping 4,716
miles in total translated into much
needed funds for our hospital. The
sense of pride in their achievement will have hopefully replaced the
aches and the pains of the day. We are so grateful to them all for
pounding the pavements for us.
Our New York City
Marathon heroes
Yet again one of the largest Irish charity teams ran this year’s New
York City Marathon for us this year and they loved every kilometre!
Well perhaps exaggerating slightly, but they did absolutely rave
about the buzz on the streets, the crowds and the overall atmosphere
in New York City, the city that never sleeps. By all accounts a lot
of them didn’t either once they finished their marathon, celebrating
into the wee hours. Well done to all of them. If you or any other
sporting heroes want to run, walk or jog marathons, fun runs, 10ks,
10 www.cmrf.org | lo-call 1890 507 508 | info@cmrf.org
mini marathons for us, call our team here
and we will provide you with your very own
fundraising pack and special running vest
for the day. Contact info@cmrf.org. We
would be so grateful.
2010 Kerry Walk
We are looking forward to decamping to
Kerry again for our Walk in the Kingdom.
We had so much fun this year down there
and the team was so supportive we want
to do it all over again. If you or your county want to organise a walk,
contact us and we will support you all the way. Call today on 01
4096300
Super Hero Fun Run
For those of you who may want to stay nearer to Crumlin we have
very exciting plans afoot (sorry ed!) to organise a superhero fun run
in May 2010. It’s all still very much under wraps but if you want to get
you and your family involved in any way you can already contact our
team and we might whisper the details. We guarantee you are going
to love this one!
es
o
Crumlin Her
Stephen Butler: Aged 13.
wife Emer and baby Tess and his Mother
Valerie, Stephen has managed to come up
with generous and imaginative ways to raise
funds for the ward.
For the last 13 years Stephen has been
in and out of Our Lady’s Children’s
Hospital and has become intimately
familiar with Crumlin and its staff. “I
have been to almost every ward here
in the hospital” says Stephen “but Our
Lady’s ward is my favourite. The staff
here have become my friends.”
And Stephen is not someone who forgets
his friends. Over the last 3 years Stephen
has given what he can to ensure that his
friends on the ward have what they need.
Ever since his beloved Dad passed away
in St Vincent’s Hospital, Stephen has been
inspired to raise funds for those who are sick
and vulnerable. With the love and support
of his family, brothers Ciaran, Sean and his
He has organised sponsored cycles in his
community, convinced his school to host
a Non Uniform Day, inspired the Parent’s
Association to utilise their baking talents for
a Pancake Day and even raffled his own bike
challenging his friends to give generously.
Everyone who knew Stephen was
immediately enthusiastic about his ideas,
and his friends rallied to the call many of
them having had siblings, relatives or friends
who had been cared for at the hospital. They
realised that being in the hospital can be
difficult when you’re a kid, and they wanted
to show solidarity with their friend Stephen
and spread a little happiness by giving as
much as they could.
As a result of all his great initiatives and
their generosity he was able to buy universal
remote controls for all the TVs on the ward to
save kids getting out of their hospital beds
to change the channel and a digital camera
to take better pictures of wounds for the
doctors and nurses.
But Stephen hasn’t stopped there. He has
channelled some of his experiences as a
patient by counselling other patients who
might be fearful of an important operation.
“It’s very important to talk to others who
are going through some of the same issues
I did,” he says. “To let them know that they
can get through it, they are not alone, and put
them at ease by sharing some of my
own experiences.”
Today, Stephen Butler, aged 13, is a modern
day hero and is an inspiration to us here at
Crumlin. Although he requires treatment
several times a year, his positive outlook is a
source of great pride to his loving and very
proud mother Valerie, the staff in Crumlin who
look forward to his visits and all his school
friends, teachers and head master. Thanks
to the efforts of one boy, patients’ lives have
been transformed for the better and the work
practices of staff have been improved. The
inspiration continues. Thanks Stephen.
Testimonials
Mary Traynor, Clinical Nurse Manager
Stephen is an inspiration to all the staff on
Our Lady’s Ward. He has gone through
a very difficult period in his life both
emotionally and physically, yet has never
waivered in his desire to help others.
Stephen has raised a significant amount of
money for Our Lady’s ward and all the staff
are extremely grateful for all his hard work
and that of his brother Ciaran. A big thank
you also goes to Valerie who not only looks
after her boys but is always supplying
the nurses with treats. Stephen and his
family have really been so generous to
the ward and the hospital not only with
the money they have raised, but with the
support they have given to others in similar
circumstances. All the staff in Our Lady’s
would like to take this opportunity to Thank
You All for your generosity.
Mary
CMRF News
New Website: We will be launching a totally revamped and
exciting new website very soon. Keep an eye to it. It will allow you
get closer to us, become our friends, share photos with us of your
events even videos.
Sad Farewells: We bid farewell to Connie and Carmel this year,
both long serving members of staff whose commitment to the
Foundation and its mission never wavered over their many years.
We wish them all the best for their retirement.
www.cmrf.org | lo-call 1890 507 508 | info@cmrf.org 11
n
Help Crumli
Kids
information about the
If you would like to receive more
se email us: info@cmrf.org,
plea
nts,
events below or other eve
website: www.cmrf.org
lo-call 1890 507 508 or visit our
Overseas Events
Upcoming Events
New Year’s Eve Ball: Not yet decided for New
Year’s? Then why not join our fundraiser Caroline
Duffy for a Black Tie Ball in The Portmarnock
Hotel & Golf Link’s, in aid of Our Lady’s
Children’s Hospital, Crumlin. Starts at 7pm,
there is a Pre-Dinner Champagne Reception in
the Cocktail Bar which is followed by a 4 Course
Meal and Monster Raffle/Auction. There will also
be a Pop Art Display by Brendan Higgins with a
commission to be auctioned on the night.
The Marian Gale Ball will be held in the Four
Seasons Hotel on Saturday 20th February 2010.
Marian is celebrating 30th years in business.
For more information contact Anna Kinsella
on 01 4096300 or admin@cmrf.org
National Events
New Year’s Eve Ball
The Marian Gale Ball
ng or crawling why not do it
event in 2010, walking, running, joggi
Remember if you are organising an
help. Or if you want to get
to
y
happ
be
we can give you, we would
for our Crumlin Kids. Any support
try, like the Great Ireland Run, the
coun
the
d
aroun
s
event
nal
natio
involved in any of the established
will provide you with special
triathlon call our team today and we
Women’s mini marathon or Athlone
507 508
fundraising packs. Call you today 1850
We invite you to share personal memories and reflections
about your experience at the hospital. Our Foundation
is intertwined with the very personal experiences of the
patients and families in the hospital. So we’re inviting you
to share personal memories and reflections about your
If you are one of our supporters,
thank you. Your generosity has
enabled us achieve so much over
the years for generations of sick
children. Now you’ll be delighted
to hear that the Children’s Medical
& Research Foundation has found
a way to make your donation
work even harder –and increase
hugely in value.
We are always looking for
people to get involved, so
if you feel you might be
able to help or, if you just
want information, tick the
boxes and return this form.
December 31 2009
February 20 2010
g
Donegal, Eleanor Mooney is organisin
One of our champion fundraisers in
’s
Year
New
on
k
Wal
ed
12k Sponsor
her 10th Anniversary Atlantic Drive
, Downings in lovely Co Donegal. Why
Pub
ing
Sing
the
from
oon
Day at 12n
il
act Eleanor on 086 841 2070 or ema
not join her? For more details cont
eleanormooney@iol.ie
Share Your Story
Sign a Form. Pay Nothing.
Raise 5500,000
April 1 – 11 2010
April 24 – 26 2010
July 12 – 22 2010
August 26 – September 1 2010
September 11 – 18 2010
)
October 22 – November 1 2010 (TBC
0
201
10
–
4
November
experience with Crumlin. We believe that by sharing your
stories with us, you deepen our understanding of our mission
to serve children and families and help inspire others to give
generously so that the spirit of Crumlin can continue.
You can email our Communications Executive, Sarah on
sbenson@cmrf.org
If you are eligible, we will contact you to
increase the value of your donation by
up to 72%. This will cost you nothing
and it won’t affect your tax or finances
in any way. All you have to do is fill in a
form and send it back to us freepost.
Please be part of this simple yet
powerful initiative and help support sick
children. Remember, your information is
confidential and your tax and financial
affairs are not affected. It just means we
can claim a valuable tax rebate on your
behalf and immediately put it to good
work. Please help us help sick children.
Name
Walking Challenges
Corporate Golf
Address
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Making a Gift
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Payroll Giving
Triathlon Challenges
Gala Events
Motorcycle Challenges
Legacy Giving
Tel
Email
12 www.cmrf.org | lo-call 1890 507 508 | info@cmrf.org
Please post to: The Children’s Medical & Research
Foundation, 14–18 Drimnagh Road, Crumlin,
FREEPOST, Dublin 12, or email info@cmrf.org
design_www.reddog.ie
Live Band “Loose Change” till 12.15am with
a DJ till 2am. The late bar goes on till 1.30am
Tickets per person €100 For tickets contact
Caroline Duffy 087 7750380 or email
caroline.riley1@gmail.com
Brazil Adventure Walk
Virgin London Marathon
Seattle Trail Walk
Chicago Triathlon
Italy Cycle Tour Brazil Adventure Walk
ING New York City Marathon