Isla & Jude Donnell
Isla and Jude are siblings with Sanfilippo Syndrome. Without treatment, they will not live to adulthood. You can help children like Isla and Jude by contributing to our campaign to raise funds for research into this childhood dementia.
Isla and Jude adore each other. It is unimaginable one may lose not only their sibling, but also their best friend. Without a treatment, they will not live to adulthood.
When our son, Jude, was born in 2011 we felt our family was complete. Big sister, Isla, who was just under 2 at the time, fell in love with Jude immediately as did we all. We considered ourselves blessed having two happy, healthy children and we had such hope for our future. Isla loves cuddles with her therpay dog Remy and Jude is full of affection and makes friends wherever he goes.
When Isla was three we received the devastating news that turned our world upside down. She had Sanfilippo syndrome. Unfortunately, 4 weeks after Isla’s initial diagnosis we learnt that Jude had inherited this dreadful disease too and that both children were type A. The English language does not contain words that adequately describe the impact that this double diagnosis has had on our family, we were absolutely shattered and devastated and this is beyond anything we ever imagined possible.
At the moment there is no effective treatment available to “Sanfilippo children”. But around the world there are dedicated scientists, researchers, patient groups and families devoting their lives to changing this. We are proud to join this movement and will fight and fight and fight not only for our children, but for the others living under the spectre of Sanfilippo and future families who have not yet heard of this disease but will one day be faced with this agony.
Read more about this family in Good Weekend article here.
You can help
Make an online donation
Donating online is a fast, easy and safe way to donate for donors who would like to pay via credit card or PayPal.
Host a fundraiser
There are lots of ways you can fundraise for the Hope for Isla and Jude campaign. We have plenty of ideas for you in our A-Z of fundraising ideas & you can set up your own fundraising page here
Buy the Song
Buy the song, 'This Woman's Work'. All proceeds from the sale of this song go directly to the Sanfilippo Children’s Foundation.
A big thank you to our Supporters
The real heroes who are kindly helping us achieve our goal
Sam Gage
$53
Rachel Nz
All the very best for your journey. Sending love from across the pacific xo
$15
Ellie Andiorio
$26
Michelle Kreti
$26
Anonymous
$16
Anonymous
$5
Michelle Hope
$105
Kerri
Sending love & hope
$26
Emily Mckeith
$53
Valentina Giannakopoulou
Hello! I saw your story on youtube. Sending hope from Greece. All the best to you, Valentina
$11
Anonymous
$26
Charlie Hume
Hello, my name is Charlie Hume and I am in year 6 and go to Harbord Public School. Isla was in my year and I remember her very well. I hope she is doing OK and still remembers me. My mum (Rachel) and I donated this money and I can’t wait for that day when I hear there is a cure. Thank you, from my mum and me.
$32
Nicholas W Shumeyko
$26
Anonymous
$53
Emma Syme
My thoughts and hopes are with everyone affected by this genetic disorder xx
$26
Tanya Vassallo
$158
Brenda And Bill Maloney And Family
Thinking of you all at this special time of the year xxx
$105
Jo Greensill Greensill
$16
Sam West
With immense amounts of love, hope, and utter respect beaming from London xx
$500
Anonymous
$26
Anonymous
Only words: Love to you all.
$53
Anonymous
$2
Anonymous
$1,000
Adams' Family
$53
Linda Matthews
$26
Jane Keating
Keep smiling (and cuddling Remy) Isla and Jude.
$16
Jennifer Lee
Heartbreaking to read about your family in The Good Weekend. Pray for continued courage and a miracle. Pls take care of yourselves too.
$50
Kerry
Heartbreaking to watch the project and see your struggle and the difference in Isla. Big hugs to your family xxxx
$26
Vicki Gibson
Our hearts go out to you all - wishing you love and hope.
$105
Jordan And Tim Greer
After seeing the show tonight we couldn't help but contribute in some way. We hope for nothing but good things to come your way moving forward. Jordan and Tim.
$105
Imasha Hewavasam
$53
Anonymous
$26
Veronica Ilojoki
Hello just wanted to send al my love and hugs😍i now ho it go been sick i live periods Inn the hospitahl for many helht problems. Love from and hugs from a goung lady
$26
Anonymous
$2
Marnie Van Dyk
$105
Anonymous
$1
Jude's Birthday Facebook Fundraiser
$1.94k
Sam Donnell Birthday Facebook Fundraiser
$330
Lisa Jamieson
Very touched by your story. Our prayers are with you. In the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic our financial situation is rather uncertain but that is our only concern right now apart from staying home to avoid the infection rate getting worse. But this is not a hard thing for us compared to what you are going through! I’m deeply saddened and want to help. Our donation isn’t much but we really want to help. If we can donate more soon we will. Stay strong and keep up the wonderful fight and keep believing that miracles do happen!!!
$26
Ingrid Maack
$11
Anonymous
Dear Isla&Jude Your story is so heartbreaking but at the same time so inspiring to anyone who hears it. You have such wonderful mum and dad to fight for your life! I will pray for miracle to happen. Stay strong! With Love Anonymous me
$100
S??bastien Izambard Official Fan Club
$50
Paul Wilson
$50
Jillian Betts
$50
Tanya Kelly
$50
Alison Butt
$50
Mardi Darren Sofia Amali
$100
Sonya Watson
$1.8k
Nb Council
$1,000
Van Bogan Band Night Fundraiser
$1.02k
Tom Miles - Bunnings Bbq
$1.07k
Daniel And Madeline Engagement
$1.08k
Yasmin C 'meet Me In The Middle' 10k Walk
$1.19k
Toby Greenow's A Rat's Tale
$1.24k
Doggie Day @ The Bay Bbq & Stall
$1.32k
Kids Ot Bridge Run
$1.33k
Loom For Sanfilippo Aug 2015
$1.42k
Matteo Mini Marathon August 2015
$1.53k
Elisabeth Cavaleri Birthday Party Donations
$1.78k
The Jayatilakes
$2k
Monica & Charles
$2k
North Curl Curl Netball Cake Stall May 2015
$2.19k
Nadine Miller - Sun Run 2016
$2.41k
Isla And Jude Birthday Campaign #10for10 And #8for8
$2.6k
Runforhope City2surf
$2.63k
Bunnings Balgowlah Cake Stall May 2015
$2.82k
Stylingthetribe Instagram Fashion Auction
$3k
Moziac Christmas Candle Fundraiser
$3k
Mozaic Christmas Fudnraiser
$3.3k
Sun Run - Nadine Miller
$3.52k
Kindy Kids Christmas Cards
$3.85k
Nikki's 250km Run For Isla And Jude
$3.93k
Carnival Fun Day Fundraiser
$4.19k
Jarrod Yates Growing Solo
$5k
Open Garden, Port Macquarie
$5.12k
Sony Music Australia
$5.44k
Dance For Hope Kids Disco (freshwater) Aug 2015
$6.5k
Sun Run 2015
$6.93k
Edgell Gems Run For Hope (sponsorship + Cake Stall) Bathurst Aug 2015
$7.11k
Pub2pub Fun Run (team Total) Aug 2015
$7.16k
Sun Run - Morgan And Oscar
$7.63k
Paddle For Isla & Jude - Fit State Of Mind Fundraiser
$11.83k
Anonymous
$12.5k
Back To School Trivia Night
$18k
Totally 80s Trivia
$22k
Donations Prior To January 2015
$50.37k
Alison Treacher
$20
Anna
$25
Kim Black
$25
Michelle Clark
$25
Vanessa
$25
Oscar, Emma & Huey Stevenson
$30
Violet, Jasmine And Zico
$30
Tina
$30
Ingrid Maack
$40
Liam Flynn
$50
Nols, Stodd, Bella, Benny & Stitchy ??
$50
Penny Treacy
$50
Erene K
$50
Fernando Montanelli
$25
