Callum O'Reilly

We’d spent years investigating Callum’s developmental delays and myriad of medical issues, but when we were told that he was being tested for Sanfilippo, we knew the awful truth before the pathology results were confirmed. Callum’s story was just like so many of the other children affected by this disease; he even looked similar to other Sanfilippo children. On May 12, 2022, just a few days before International MPS Awareness Day, we received the call from Callum’s paediatrician that we’d been dreading. Callum was 4.5 years old when he was given the devastating diagnosis of Sanfilippo Syndrome.

It's heartbreaking to watch this disease take a little more from Callum each day. He’s lost his favourite words and he can no longer recite his favourite books. He struggles to play with his peers and he is beginning to really struggle with his mobility.

Despite the heartbreak we feel about everything he’s going through, each day with him brings us all so much joy. Even though he’s being constantly affected by this horrible disease, he’s still the same silly, happy, and active child that we’ve always known and loved. He loves music and is a hilarious dancer, and he loves the beach and playing in the waves. His favourite thing to do is spend time with Nanny and Poppy; they play lots of silly games and watch his favourite cartoons.

No family should have to experience the heartbreak that we and all the other affected families have to endure every day, knowing our children are suffering from an incurable and terminal illness. We fundraise for the Sanfilippo Children’s Foundation because we’re hopeful for a better future for all children affected by Sanfilippo.

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. We have plenty of ideas for you in our A-Z of fundraising ideas & you can set up your own fundraising page here

A big thank you to our Supporters

The real heroes who are kindly helping us achieve our goal

Vivienne And Alan Bennett

$53

Jordan Lau

$105

Barbara Alkemade

Keep smiling Callum. All the very best to you and your beautiful family.

$105

Grace P

$30

Gus

$263

Ben Dryne

$53

Sue And Wayne

Sending our love

$263

Illece And Joe

Sending peace and love.

$250

Anonymous

$5

Shannon Bs

$63

Victoria & Kristopher Higgins

Best wishes Callum !! Sending love, light & strength your way!! Victoria & Kristopher Xx

$105

Kathleen Warden

That smile is the definition of joy. Sneding our love, Kat, Joe and the boys.

$263

Jane Kirk

$50

Kandris Family

$263

Susan Townsend

Shannon's passion is one to be shared. Wishing all good things for Callum and his family

$100

Debbie Fisher

$28

Rob Aloi

You are one AMAZING LITTLE MAN. Who is very much loved. You have my support, when ever and how ever I can. 😁🤞❤

$1,000

Watch Me Grow Early Learning Centre

$128

Callums Crew - Beach2beach Fun Run

$11.1k