For years the Southern Highlands community has been focused on restoring the children’s ward at Bowral Hospital so it may appear an odd decision to send funds from our famous flower festival to Sydney.

But as Joadja mother Tammy Walker recently discovered, the specialists at Westmead change the lives of people from all over the state, including the Highlands, and the Centre for Kidney Research is definitely a worthy recipient for support.

“I was pregnant with my third child, Amelia, and during a routine ultrasound my GP discovered one of her kidneys was bigger than the other,” Mrs Walker said.

“She needed specialist care so we were referred to the Children’s Hospital at Westmead.”

Amelia was diagnosed with hydronephrosis, a blockage from her kidney to her bladder, and was at risk of dangerous infection.

At just five months of age, Amelia had to have an operation.

“When I found out what had to be done I was really scared,” Mrs Walker said.

“She’s my baby and you never know what’s going to happen.

“But the support from Westmead, from family and friends has been fantastic.

“And the operation went really well so I couldn’t be happier.”

The paediatric nephrologist who treated Amelia, Dr Elisabeth Hodson, will be speaking about the Centre for Kidney Research at the Tulip Time Gala Dinner fundraiser at Mittagong RSL on September 26.

The centre is one of the oldest and largest research groups in the Southern Hemisphere and provides insight into new treatments, methods of diagnosis, prevention and the enhancement of the quality of life of children with or at risk of, kidney disease.

Tulip Time 2009 ambassador Bryce Courtenay will also be speaking on the night.

There will be a host of prizes up for grabs such as laps in a V8 racing car, a family holiday package, luxury getaways for two, a digital camera, a bottle of Grange, and an interior design consultation.

Tickets for the three-course dinner cost $75 per person. Tables of 10 you will receive a $50 discount. For bookings phone 4872 6700.

Donations to the Centre for Kidney Research can also be made at local businesses throughout the festival via Children’s Hospital donation boxes.