A statewide campaign to raise funds for Queensland’s only children’s hospice has a local touch this year, with Warwick resident Dean Donnelly designing the hummingbird artwork featured in the appeal in honour of her late granddaughter, Rosie.
Rosie, who lived in Warwick with her parents Vivien and Ryan Long, was a vibrant three-year-old who loved art, reading, playing on the swing, and spending time with her grandmother, Dean.
In 2022, she was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive cancer, requiring her family to relocate from Warwick to Brisbane to access treatment.
As Rosie’s illness progressed, Hummingbird House Children’s Hospice stepped in to provide specialised palliative care to Rosie and her family during her final days.
“Hummingbird House was a place of incredible respect, love and compassion for our family during Rosie’s final days – the level of care and support they provided us was beyond anything we could have imagined,” said Dean.
“Despite the heartbreaking circumstances, Hummingbird House gave us a sense of peace and freedom, without judgment – it’s truly a gift, and we will forever be grateful for the care they gave to Rosie and our family.”
The team at Hummingbird House Hospice continue to provide Rosie’s family with invaluable emotional and physical support.
“Although it was awful to think about, I thought when the time came for Rosie to pass, I knew I wanted her to be at Hummingbird House surrounded by her family and this incredible team.”
Dean, a self-taught artist, created the hummingbird artwork that features on donation cards sold during the appeal, as a collaboration with Rosie, who helped choose the colours and attributes of the bird.
“The hummingbird’s iridescence and transparent wings reflect Rosie’s spirit – it’s dignified and beautiful, just like her,” said Dean.
She fondly recalled how Rosie, even in her final days, painted her grandmother’s hand during their art therapy class at Hummingbird House.
“When Rosie was painting my hand, I think she was showing me that when you love someone and create something for them, you do it with all your heart, no matter how you’re feeling – that’s the message that inspired me to continue painting my Rosie hummingbird after she passed.”
Hummingbird House is one of only three children’s hospices in Australia and relies heavily on community fundraising to fill a $2.4 million funding gap each year.
The Coles Hummingbird House Appeal is in its 11th year, raising funds for essential services like end-of-life care, respite stays, and family outreach. This year, the goal is to exceed the 2023 fundraising efforts of $765,000, ensuring that families like Rosie’s can receive the support they desperately need.
“This appeal raises essential funds for us to help support the 6,100 Queensland children with life-limiting conditions and their families,” said Hummingbird House General Manager Ellen Whittaker.
“We could not do this without the amazing support of Coles and their customers every year.”
Residents of Warwick and across Queensland are encouraged to support Hummingbird House by purchasing a $2 donation card at any Coles store from 18 September to 8 October, or by donating online.
“Hummingbird House is a place of love, respect, and true freedom. The support my family received is beyond words, and I hope everyone can support this campaign,” Dean said.
“Please purchase my Rosie Hummingbird donation card and help this wonderful place continue to provide care to families facing their darkest days.”
Make a difference today by purchasing a $2 donation card at Coles or visiting the Hummingbird House website to donate – fundraise.wmq.org.au/coles-hummingbird-house-appeal
