Mother-of-two Maria Palermo Dima knows how important neonatal intensive care can be for giving premature babies the best start to life.
The Point Cook resident last year gave birth to daughter, Tayla, at 30 weeks.
Tayla spent her first days being cared for at the Mercy Hospital for Women’s neonatal intensive care unit in Heidelberg.
Now Mrs Dima is giving back to those who gave her bub lifesaving care. She is co-hosting a Tiny Miracles fundraiser on May 30 at the Taylors Lakes Hotel, raising funds for the hospital to purchase incubators.
“They need more – my daughter stayed in their incubator while we waited for another to open up elsewhere,” she said.
“As soon as I … saw my little daughter, I knew I had to do something.”
Australia’s neonatal intensive care units care for almost 15 per cent of the nation’s births every year.
Some big names have backed Mrs Dima’s cause including comedian Gabriel Rossi, who will host the fundraising night, and Melbourne Victory soccer star Archie Thompson, who will be among the guests.
Tickets are $100 for adults, $35 for children and include a three-course meal, drinks and entertainment. They are available until May 25.
Bookings: 0411 955 062, 0409 021 133, or email tinymiraclesfundraiser@yahoo.com.au
