Young go-getter honours hospital hero
Joshua is an 11-year-old who has defied the odds throughout his young life.
Despite being diagnosed with spina bifida in the womb he pushes boundaries and lives life to the full, participating in sports like sailing, swimming, wheelchair basketball and motocross. These exciting pursuits have been made possible by Joshua’s regular visits to Queensland Children’s Hospital for multiple surgeries and appointments.
At the age of seven, Juiced TV — the TV show made by kids in hospital for kids in hospital — asked Joshua to guest host the Juiced TV Super Hero Awards.
Supported by QSuper, the awards shine a light on the hospital’s medical and support staff — the doctors, nurses, volunteers and others who selflessly dedicate themselves to the wellbeing of others.
When considering a recipient for the Super Hero Awards, Joshua and his mum Abbi decided to shine a light on someone who has made life easier for their family — Children’s Hospital Foundation Family Liaison Manager Angie Brooks.
“We met Angie when we were filming with Juiced TV over three years ago. She came and introduced herself to us,” Abbi said.
“Since then she has kept in contact, included us in events and reached out when we have been admitted or are at the hospital for appointments. Angie always makes us feel welcome, no matter how rushed off her feet she is.”
This has included Angie being a voice of comfort during Joshua’s bouts of procedural anxiety. One time, Angie, recognising that Abbi was passionate about disability advocacy, connected her with another parent going through similar challenges, with both parties’ permission.
“She’s the most warm, bubbly person with such a motherly instinct. She always reaches out to me as a mum and she put me in touch with another parent to help them with their experience. She’s an angel in disguise … she is well and truly the Queen Bee,” Abbi said.
Humbled by the nomination, Angie said: “I feel flattered when families take the time to recognise what we do when they’re going through so much.”
Working at Queensland Children’s Hospital for nine years, with almost four in her current role as Family Liaison Manager with the Children’s Hospital Foundation, Angie’s position includes helping find talent for Juiced TV’s episodes, engaging with volunteers and helping families navigate their time in hospital.
Thanking Joshua and Abbi for the recognition, Angie said she had been inspired by Joshua’s strength and resilience, along with his mum’s passion of supporting his development and providing him every opportunity possible.
“Thank you for considering me … Keep doing what you’re doing. I really look forward to seeing Josh take on all the opportunities that his mum has worked towards for him and I can’t wait to see how far he goes.”
Through the awards program, QSuper and Juiced TV have helped recognise many humble hospital heroes who are quietly transforming young lives. Angie is the 10th person to receive the award.
QSuper CEO Michael Pennisi said he was proud to support Juiced TV and the awards program that celebrates the superheroes of the healthcare sector who put others’ best interests first.
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