This week we’re shining a light on women who turn personal challenge into meaningful change. Following her son Teddy’s journey through leukemia, Anna, one of our longtime Wavelength recruiters, chose to channel gratitude into action by fundraising for the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation that supported her family.
Through her positivity, strength and generosity, she’s helping to balance the scales for other families walking a similar path, while inspiring us all every day.
Below, Anna shares more about her journey in a Q&A, reflecting her strength and generosity.
What has this chapter of your life taught you about love and perspective?
This chapter of my life has taught me what really matters. Supporting my son through his leukaemia journey has shown me that love is often about simply being there , through hospital stays, tough days, and the small (but mighty) wins. It’s also changed my perspective on life. Things that once felt stressful or important don’t carry the same weight anymore. I try and not sweat the small stuff and think, “is someone going to die if this doesn’t go our way” – relax.
When Teddy reached remission, what did that milestone represent for you and your family?
When Teddy reached remission, we literally reached the summit of the biggest mountain our family has ever faced and hopefully will ever face. It was 2 years in the making. I cannot quite put in to words the sheer feeling of relief we all felt juxtaposed against the tremendous sadness for the families we’ve met along the way that didn’t reach this milestone.
You chose to channel your gratitude into fundraising for the children’s hospital. What motivated you to turn your experience into action?
When a team of doctors and nurses, and a hospital with access to incredibly expensive life-saving drugs, saves your child’s life, you want to do whatever you can to give back. You feel indebted to them for life. For us, that meant raising awareness and fundraising to support the hospital and clinical research so that treatment options for the next lot of kids is less toxic with fewer life-altering side effects. I am also fundraising now to save Teddy’s life in the future; in the horrific event he relapses.
What has giving back taught you about the impact one person or one family can make?
This will sound cliché but giving back has shown us that even one family’s experience can have an impact. By sharing our story and fundraising, we’ve been able to raise awareness and support the hospital that helped save Teddy’s life. It’s a reminder that small efforts can add up and help other families facing the same situation.
You bring such warmth and positive energy to Wavelength. Has this experience shaped the way you approach your work or relationships?
Sometimes I don’t always feel positive, but I try to stay present and focus on what’s directly in front of me. What has come out of this experience are friendships that have become even more meaningful and important in my life. At the same time, it’s shown me which relationships weren’t as fulfilling, and given me the space to let go of them.
What does this year’s IWD theme, “Balance the Scales,” mean to you personally?
Finding the elusive balance between work and home life. Being present in both spheres and doing a good job in both. That is my aim for 2026!
If you could share one message this IWD, what would it be?
Life can be unpredictable and unfair, but the love, support, and care we give each other are what truly matter. Show up, speak up, and make a difference where you can and please donate blood/blood products if you are eligible to. All the medicine in the world and financial contributions cannot cure cancer without the generosity of incredible donors.
Anna is fundraising for the Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation during their Walk for Kids with Cancer - sponsor her team here.
Sep 27
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