Our RCHF Christmas Campaign video tells the remarkable story of Sammi, a young girl who spent 188 days in hospital with a rare lymphatic condition. We partnered with the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation to bring this 2024 Christmas campaign to life, highlighting the impact of world class care and donor support.
From the pre-interview to the final shoot, we worked closely with Sammi’s parents, Alex and Mark. The pre-interview helped them feel comfortable and prepared to share their journey. On the day of filming, Sammi and Mark gave heartfelt interviews that captured their experiences authentically.
Sammi’s health journey began when a simple fever quickly escalated into serious breathing difficulties. An X-ray revealed a complete whiteout of her right lung, and she was admitted to the Royal Children’s Hospital. Clinicians placed drains in her chest, but the fluid continued to build. Over months, treatments and procedures failed to stop the leak.
Eventually, her clinical team discovered a rare genetic mutation affecting her lymphatic system. Sammi underwent a six-hour scan to identify the problem. A new medication offered hope, but her condition worsened, and she was admitted to ICU.
In a critical moment, clinicians removed her last drain so her parents could hold her. Miraculously, the medication began to work immediately. Her oxygen levels rose, and she gradually recovered. After 188 days, Sammi returned home and is now starting kindergarten.
We are proud of this RCHF Christmas Campaign video. It honours Sammi’s courage and the life-changing care provided by the Royal Children’s Hospital. The video also highlights how donations make a real difference to families facing serious health challenges.
If you would like to explore more of our work, we have a variety of inspiring projects with not-for-profit clients and heartfelt stories with our healthcare partners for you to view.