Kirsten Alderson

I'm challenging myself to walk 20,000 steps for 20 days.

I’ve been wanting to write this for a bit, but never sure how to start. So here goes.

10 years ago, I started at the Women's & Children's Hospital Foundation.

I was thrown headfirst into a huge amount of change and a bucketload of challenges, and somehow here I am a decade later.

Many of you know it's been quite the journey. Over the years I've gone part time to teach yoga, changed roles with the Foundation more times than I can remember, and I reckon I've handed in my resignation about six times… some would say more.

It occurred to me a few months back that I've spent a quarter of my life here - it's a huge part of who I am. It's shaped me, challenged me and connected me people who have left their mark on me.

I met Allira and her mum within the first few months. Remiko was always willing to help me tell their story so that others could understand the reality of life for families facing extraordinary challenges.

Remiko welcomed me into her world, never sugar coating the realities of what life looked like for her family and over the years I was lucky enough to photograph them many times… I shared in hospital visits, Beach House stays, coffee breaks and the occasional glass of bubbles to escape Remiko from Hospital walls.

I was also elevated in status the day Allira allowed me to kiss her elbow. I like to think that privilege was reserved for a select few.

In December 2024, on a Friday morning, I was able to have my first (and last) hand hold with Allira. I'm sure she would have rolled her eyes when I mentioned we had matching nail polish.

What I do know is that I will never be able to explain how much being able to say goodbye to her meant to me. We’d had 8 years of knowing each other… it was privilege to be able to be there and a moment I will always hold onto tightly.
Thank you Remiko for always seeing me, even during your hardest moments.

As I celebrate 10 years at the Foundation I have decided to do something for kids like Allira and it seems fitting too that on the 20th anniversary of Cycle 4 Sam, I've decided to walk 20,000 steps a day for 20 days.

For kids like Allira and Sam… please support my efforts.
It’s currently day 8 of 20,000 steps - so I think I can actually achieve this.