Help for sisters, brothers
THE family of inspiring Geelong teen Bryce McKiernan are to launch a charity in his honour, supporting the siblings of children with a lifelimiting illness.
The much-loved Nelson Park student died in August last year after complications resulting from his lifelong battle with kabuki syndrome.
The determination of Bryce’s parents, Stacey and Darrin, to ensure his legacy lives on, has seen the birth of a new charity For the Love of Bryce.
The foundation has been set up to support the brothers and sisters of children receiving palliative care, enduring similar experiences to Bryce’s siblings Tori, Riley and Hollie.
“When Bryce was unwell and we were told that he was palliative there was a gap, there was no support that was just about siblings,” Ms McKiernan said.
His sister Hollie, now 14, spent five school holiday periods doing nothing but sitting by her big brother's hospital bed and playing solo on a nearby playground.
Ms McKiernan said the dream of starting a charity had been a year in the making.
“Bryce’s siblings were his whole world. I wanted to do something that would honour him and what better way to do that than to honour the people he loved the most,” she said.
In the short-term, the charity plans to distribute “We Care” boxes to children whose brother or sister is in hospital battling a terminal illness.
The big-picture plan is to establish a support group for those enduring a similar experience.
“For a kid to be able to talk to another kid who gets it, that’s huge. That’s a big difference in their life, which can often be quite lonely,” Ms McKiernan said.
For the Love of Bryce will be officially launched at an event at the Captains Room in GMHBA Stadium on Saturday, October 27.
The fundraiser will include live and silent auctions, food and music. Tickets, $50, are available com.au
Those interested in sponsoring the night or donating auction items should contact 0408 552 914 or fortheloveof bryce@dodo.com.au at geelongtickets.