Help us create healthier futures for women, babies, and families
Your support gives the tiniest babies a better chance of survival, and helps to ensure the healthiest start and a brighter future for babies, women and families through cutting-edge research and vital care. Every contribution makes a difference – so please take action today!
Why our work is so important?
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13.4M
Number of babies born preterm each year worldwide.
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1M
Number of deaths due to preterm birth worldwide each year
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8%
reduction in the rate of preterm birth due to our WA Preterm Birth Prevention Initiative (2015 v 2013).
Join Us in Making a Difference
Whether through donations, volunteering, or partnerships, you can help us transform the future of women’s and babies’ health.
Stories of Hope and Impact
Meet the families and researchers who have benefited from WIRF’s work in research, outreach, and care. These stories show the true impact of your support.
Josh and Lauren Catalano’s story
Lenny Catalano was born in July 2016 at just 24 weeks “en caul” or in the amniotic sac, something that happens in less
than one in 80,000 births. Due to his almost four month premature birth Lenny would weigh just 620g.
Soon after the birth, the Catalanos were told to prepare for the worst because Lenny had a stage-four brain bleed. Doctors later revealed they gave Lenny a 30 per cent chance of survival. But Lenny overcame the challenges he faced.
Amy and Mike Hussey’s story
Of their four pregnancies, Amy and Mike would have not one, but two preterm birth experiences.
In May 2007, Amy gave birth to Molly Mae at just 28 weeks and weighing little over one kilo. Five years later, in June 2012, their son Oscar would mirror the three month early birth of his sister, also weighing just one kilo.
Liz and Todd Daly’s story
After losing their twin boys, Max and Noah, to the very rare twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome in 2015, Liz and Todd Daly realised just how many babies are lost preterm and how special a full term baby really is.
Following their heart-breaking loss, the couple battled multiple rounds of IVF and a cervical cancer diagnosis for Liz which put their family dreams on hold. However, Liz never gave up hope of having more children and 18 months later her miracle child, Jack, was born. She and Todd went on to have two further children, Philippa and Tom.
Sarra and Jarrad’s story
Sarra and Jarrad’s twins, Hunter and Heath, were born 15 weeks too soon.
Delivered at 25 weeks, Hunter was born at just 1015 grams and went on to spend 97 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Sadly, Heath was delivered stillborn due to severe complications caused by enlarged ventricles in the brain.
Rachael and Murray Tegart’s story
For Rachael and Murray Tegart, the start of their parenting journey was marked by the unexpected early arrival of both their children, Will and Rosie, who were born premature.
Their experience is one of resilience and hope—highlighting not only the strength of preterm babies and their families, but also the incredible advances in neonatal care.
Georgie and Daniel Turco’s story
Georgina and Daniel Turco tragically lost their first born son, Kai in May 2018 after complications from his extremely premature birth.
Georgie continues to bravely share her story in the hope to help others and we thank her and Daniel from the bottom of our hearts.
What your donation funds
Your donation fuels groundbreaking research and vital support services that improve the health and wellbeing of women, babies, and families. Together, we are tackling some of the most pressing challenges in health care.
Our partners and sponsors
We are proud to work with leading organisations and sponsors who support our mission.
