My Westmead Retreats at Hawks Nest Program is a way for seriously ill patients undergoing medical treatment to spend precious time together with their families, to recharge before returning to continue their treatment or simply leave their arduous routine of hospital visits behind as they create new memories with their loved ones.

Last year, thanks to the generosity of our donors, Westmead Medical Research Foundation helped 16 families get away through our Hawks Nest Program.

The program has been running for nearly 15 years. It provides patients and their families with the opportunity to take time out and spend a week away at Hawks Nest on the mid-North Coast of NSW, at no cost. Some patients use the time at the retreat to say their goodbyes and others spend the days recharging before coming back to Hospital for further treatment.

Patients and their families are very thankful when they return from Hawks Nest. This is only an example of one of their thank you messages: “I am writing on behalf of my husband to thank you for the lovely week break at Hawks Nest. This enabled us to spend quality time with all the family. The unit was very comfortable and the weather was perfect. Would you kindly thank the owners on our behalf for this kind donation?”

This is a fantastic demonstration of community goodwill and ‘give back’, and with the demand for this service growing rapidly, the Foundation needs your support to continue to work closely with referring staff and our partner real estate to best facilitate the program and help as many families as possible.

“Going through a health crisis often means lower income for families, making difficult – and sometimes impossible – to be able to take a holiday or even a short break. The retreats are an extremely worthwhile service provided to families in their time of greatest need and a program that the Foundation is incredibly proud of,” said Jo Sabbouh, Hawks Nest program coordinator at My Westmead.

When donors support this program they are helping My Westmead to provide more families with food vouchers, petrol vouchers and even the fee for cleaning and maintaining the properties so more patients and their loved ones can enjoy this valuable time together.

To learn more or to make a donation towards our Hawks Nest Program call 1800 639 037 or email wmrf@wmrf.org.au