Young philanthropy committee hosts gala to support sick Queensland kids

By Maggie Moore · Reported from interviews with the Sapphire Committee's founder and chair · Written for QUT journalism

The Sapphire Committee, a new young philanthropy group, is hosting an end-of-year gala in support of sick kids, with proceeds aimed at creating Queensland's first Advanced Gene Therapies and Clinical Trials Centre.

The centre promises to change paediatric healthcare, offering treatments to children with chronic conditions. Many families currently face financial hardship and separation because they have to travel interstate for these therapies.

The gala, scheduled for 3 October 2024, aims to raise funds for the initiative.

"The Sapphire Committee was founded to bring new audiences' attention to the amazing work at Children's Hospital Foundation and to lead a new and current era of philanthropy for Queensland," said Alexandra Graham, founder of the Sapphire Committee. "Every child deserves every chance to thrive."

The centre will serve as a central hub for clinical trials and therapies, addressing the limited availability of treatments for children in the state.

"The action centre will see the facilitation of world-leading clinical trials become available to Queensland kids, which will have a profound impact on so many lives," Graham said.

Elizabeth Benson, chair of the Sapphire Committee, emphasised the centre's role in providing hope for families coping with challenging diagnoses.

"It will provide early access to advanced therapies for children, offering new hope where there previously was none," Benson said. "By bringing together expert clinicians, academic partners and industry collaborators, the centre will ensure that children have access to the latest and most effective treatments available."

Through initiatives like the gala, the Sapphire Committee aims to transform paediatric healthcare in Queensland, providing hope and healing for families facing the challenges of childhood illness.