Cherry Auction helps kids breathe

On Wednesday, 30 October at 4pm, the Hospital will take delivery of a new Body Plethysmograph "Body Box". The "Body Box" has been purchased with the $40,000 paid for the first box of cherries and other money raised from sports memorabilia auctioned at the Sydney Markets.

The "Body Box" will play a vital role in the Department of Respiratory Medicine. It will allow medical staff to accurately measure how much air is in children's lungs and how well they can breathe. These measurements help us find out what is wrong with children's lungs, how badly affected their lungs are by their condition and the effectiveness of the treatments we use.

When the first box of cherries went to auction in NSW, nobody could have imagined the profound effect it would have on kids with breathing difficulties. Children suffering from conditions such as asthma and cystic fibrosis will be assessed and treated more effectively because of the generosity of the "Four Wise Men".

"This piece of equipment is used daily and forms an integral part of respiratory care," said A/Prof Peter van Asperen, Department Head.

You are invited to join the generous supporters who have made this possible who will be at the Hospital for the delivery of the equipment.

For further information, please contact:

Gilly Paxton
Public Relations
The Children's Hospital at Westmead
(02) 9845 3568