Harper Wade and Emily Barlow: Young Heroes Raise Funds for Telethon Amid Health Battles
Even while confronting debilitating health challenges of their own, Harper Wade and Emily Barlow have discovered a powerful way to spread light through the often dark corridors of Perth Children's Hospital. Their inspiring efforts have mobilized community support and raised significant funds for Telethon, demonstrating resilience and compassion in the face of adversity.
Harper's Journey: From Diagnosis to Fundraising Success
Harper Wade's ordeal began with a seemingly minor leg ache. In August 2023, at just eight years old, she received a devastating diagnosis: metastatic osteosarcoma. This was followed by a grueling nine-month marathon of chemotherapy treatments. Despite the immense physical and emotional toll, Harper's spirit remained unbroken, and her focus turned outward toward helping others.
In 2025, she launched Harper's Way, an initiative that included a family fun day designed to bring joy to children. The event featured an inflatable nightclub, an inflatable obstacle course, and stations for face-painting and hair-spraying. For adults, there was a trivia night and a silent auction, complemented by extensive baking activities. Through these efforts, Harper successfully raised $24,000 for Telethon.
"It makes me feel good when I fundraise for Telethon," Harper says. "I kind of hope quite a bit of it will go to the oncology ward . . . because it could help the nurses and get them some better stuff, and add some things for the kids to play with and hopefully give all the kids in the hospital a better chance of living."
Emily's Mission: Baking Her Way to Giving Back
Thirteen-year-old Emily Barlow has also dedicated herself to supporting Western Australia's sick children. Diagnosed with bilateral spastic diplegia cerebral palsy just before her first birthday, independent walking once seemed an insurmountable challenge. At age five, she became eligible for the Telethon-funded iStride research program, which enabled her to take her first independent steps, transforming her life.
"Telethon is just below Christmas in my eyes, I love it," Emily expresses. Her mother, Necole Barlow, recalls that Emily would only attempt to stand in her "happy place"—the kitchen. This passion has fueled Emily's fundraising endeavors, turning her into a powerhouse for charity.
In 2025 alone, Emily's bake sales generated just under $5,000. Over seven years, she has amassed a total of $15,000 for Telethon, the organization that played a crucial role in her ability to walk. "I've been baking a lot for Telethon," Emily says. "I just hope it can help them (the kids) out so they can have all the opportunities they want in their life."
Community Impact: Schools and Families Rally for Telethon
The ripple effect of Telethon's influence extends across Western Australia, touching young lives in schools and households. At Mindarie Primary School, students participated in the Premier's Telethon Challenge, transforming a "crazy hair and sock day" into an impressive $18,000 fundraising achievement. Activities included selling raffle tickets, hosting an icy-pole day, and running a bake sale that alone raised $3,500.
Associate principal Helen Woodard notes, "When kids help kids, something magical happens." Student councillor Dylan Danti adds, "Telethon to me seems like a very caring and important charity, and when I was able to be involved, it made me feel as if I was helping out, too."
For parents like Lana Williams, witnessing her son Brooklyn donate his prized pocket money was a moment of immense pride. "It was probably his best day of the school year," she shares. "All three of our kids felt so honoured to be at the event and grew even more in their empathy and understanding toward others."
Conclusion: The Power of Everyday Philanthropy
These inspiring stories from Harper Wade, Emily Barlow, and their communities underscore that Telethon is far more than just large-scale donations from governments and corporations. From children selling cupcakes or contributing their pocket money to parents undertaking physical challenges, everyday West Australians consistently prove that collective action can achieve incredible outcomes. Their dedication highlights the profound impact of grassroots efforts in supporting vital causes like children's health care.
