Take 5 Young Bravehearts

Courtney Wynne - Mary-Anne Eagles - Aaron Worker - Sophie Cooper - Lucy Dixon

Today the Take 5 Young Bravehearts™ campaign honoured Australia's five most courageous kids at a gala awards ceremony at The Australian Museum.

The five winners were Lucy Dixon from Devonport, Tasmania; Aaron Worker from Scottsdale, Tasmania; Courtney Wynne from Glen Eden, Queensland; Sophie Cooper from Corio, Victoria; and Mary-Anne Eagles from Red Cliffs, Victoria.

Take 5 editor Belinda Wallis was joined today by former cricketer and Australian of the Year, Steve Waugh; father of burns survivor Sophie Delezio and former Father of the Year, Ron Delezio; and multi-award winning actress, Georgie Parker - who battled scoliosis at a young age - to announce the winners.

"Celebrity buddies" including Rodger Corser (Network Ten - Rush), Erin McNaught (Network Ten - Neighbours), Shelley Craft (Nine Network - Domestic Blitz), Jason Dundas (Nine Network - Getaway) and Simmone Jade Mackinnon (Nine Network - McLeod's Daughters) were also on hand to greet the winning children and support them through the ceremony. Axle Whitehead entertained the crowd, performing his hit single I Don't Do Surprises.

"Each of the five Take 5 Young Bravehearts™ has such a remarkable story; a story which portray values of sheer strength and determination. Their level of courage is simply inspiring to all," said Belinda Wallis.

"The bravery, hope and perseverance that has shone through in each of this year's finalists is absolutely incredible. It's a real privilege to play a part in helping these kids receive recognition for their resilience and unswerving optimism," said Steve Waugh.
"I am extremely proud to be a part of this extraordinary initiative, having been involved with Take 5 Young Bravehearts™ since its launch. Each year I am reminded of the incredible strength of Australian children. This year's winners are an inspiration to us all," said Ron Delezio.

"What moves me is how these kids carry on against the odds. They have all had these terrible fortunes in life, yet they've managed to handle it," said Georgie Parker.

Courtney Wynne (Glen Eden, Qld) - At age five, Courtney was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome and autism. One minute she looks like a normal little girl, the next her body spasms, she makes uncontrollable noises and starts spinning around on her toes. She hates what happens to her and has often wept to her mum, "Why can't I be normal?" Although Courtney, now nine, has found it hard to cope, suffering anxiety attacks at school, she soldiers on and continues to smile as she tries her best with everything she does. Sophie Cooper (Corio, Vic) - At just three weeks old, Sophie was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive form of cancer. Doctors held little hope and Sophie was given just months to live. Despite extensive chemotherapy and more than 50 hospital admissions, tumours have since spread throughout Sophie's body, including some that have broken her legs, damaged her kidneys and left a large mass on her brain. Sophie now has a shunt to drain brain fluid and a feeding tube, and she's unable to walk. Despite all this, Sophie, now four, continues to defy all odds and is a happy, smiling kindergarten student.

Aaron Worker (Scottsdale, Tas) - Aaron was diagnosed with kidney tumours at age four. Seven years on, at 11, Aaron saved his little sister Chloe's life after her skirt caught on fire while she was standing near an openflame barbecue. Chloe suffered burns to 70 per cent of her body and if it weren't for Aaron's quick thinking and first aid skills, Chloe would not have survived. Aaron's battles still haven't ended as now, at 16, he has an enlarged heart and is waiting for an organ transplant.

Mary-Anne Eagles (Red Cliffs, Vic) - Mary-Anne displayed compassion and courage beyond her years when her seriously ill younger brother, Hayden, was diagnosed with Alpers' syndrome, a disease which affects the muscles causing weakness, brain damage, liver damage and uncontrollable seizures. At age seven, Mary-Anne nursed her brother until he took his last breath. As Mary-Anne's family, especially her mum, Tara, fell apart, Mary-Anne provided endless support. Then, when her very sick baby sister was born, Mary-Anne cared for her, too. And later, when the family experienced yet another tragedy with their home burning down, it was Mary-Anne, 13, who remained the pillar of strength.

Lucy Dixon (Devonport, Tas) - Lucy was born with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and her life was constantly filled with pain. The pain was so excruciating that she pleaded for doctors to cut off her leg so she could live free from ongoing agony and medication. To her family's amazement, Lucy also asked doctors to donate her leg to medical science in the hope of finding a cure for this terrible condition. Lucy, now 16, uses an artificial leg and is aiming to swim at the 2012 Paralympics. She lives a fun-filled life, just like any other teenager. Since its inception in 2004, the Take 5 Young Bravehearts™ campaign has received praise in State Parliament and won a prestigious MPA media award. The highly emotional ceremony has honoured a total of 25 Australian Take 5 Young Bravehearts to date.