Patrick Tessier, one of our strongest and most committed supporters of Monash Children’s Hospital, was presented with his Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) last week.
Ron Fairchild, Director of the Monash Health Foundation said that Patrick has made a significant difference to patient care in the MCH Cancer Centre by contributing more than $3.4 million over the past 17 years. The funds has been used to train additional clinical oncologists.
“Sadly Patrick lost his son Bailey in 2004, aged just two and a half to a brain tumour. Patrick has since run Bailey’s Day each year as a golf day and lunch,” said Ron.
“Our sincere congratulations to Patrick on his honour and our great thanks for his outstanding contribution to the MCH Cancer Centre. Many patients and families have benefitted because of Patrick’s commitment.”
Patrick’s OAM was announced in the Australia Day 2020 Honours List for “service to charitable organisations”.
Due to COVID-19 the medal could not be presented until last week. Even now, the Governor of Victoria the Hon Linda Dessau AC could not present the medal directly to Patrick. Instead, Patrick’s son Jordy had the honour of presenting the medal (pictured).
Bailey’s day has traditionally been held in early December. Due to COVID-19 the event was re-imagined as a campaign about ‘the big-hearted bear’. A story about the bear, read by Livinia Nixon from 9 News, was created to tell Bailey’s story.
You can learn more or view the big-hearted bear video here: https://www.baileysday.com.au/
