Every day, our emergency professionals are there ready to respond, support and care for our community – not just at our hospitals but also at community events.
This year, fifty of our doctors and nurses signed up for ASICS Gold Coast Marathon’s medical tent; a partnership spanning over 20 years.
They support thousands of runners over the weekend, including tube-fed runner Juliette McAleer.
“When I ran the marathon last year, I worked with the medical team to make sure everything would go smoothly,” she said.
“We needed to make sure I had my medication on hand, a spare tube and a bunch of other things that are required for a medically complex runner.
“The team were incredibly supportive and did tests after the race on-site to make sure I was okay. Having them there gave me peace of mind.”
Juliette, who has successfully completed the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon, Half Marathon and 5km events in recent years in a display of true courage and determination, said she wanted to thank the medical professionals who have played such a crucial role in her journey.
“Standing in that tent, with a medal around my neck, I watched the calm, compassionate, capable clinicians quietly helping exhausted runners,” Juliette said.
“I thought, ‘I have my medal, but they deserve one, too.’”
Juliette commissioned Epic Medals Gold Coast to specially design the gifts and drove four hours to present them personally to the team.
“After spending so many months in hospital over these last few years, I wanted them to know they are heroes in my eyes,” she continued.
“I can see how hard they work, and this was my small way to give back and show them they are appreciated.”
Emergency Department Acting Clinical Director Gold Coast Health Dr Hayley Frieslich said the gesture would stay with the team for the rest of their careers.
“I’ll treasure this medal,” Dr Frieslich said.
“Some days in our jobs are harder than others, but moments like this make it worth it.
“It’s really nice knowing that we can give people some reassurance and an extra push to inspire them to do what they love. It’s extra special when people come back and thank us.
“Days like today confirm that I chose the right profession and chose the right place to do it.”
View the heartwarming message Juliette played for our team here.
