Nothing prepares you for having a baby. Nothing prepares you for losing a baby.
Alexandra Tighe and her family experienced a devastating loss in 2012 after the birth of her third child, Jack, who was born sleeping.
The unexplained and unexpected stillbirth of Jack was the beginning of a journey of loss, grief and hope.
Alex and her husband, Ben, decided to try again for another baby. But after three consecutive miscarriages, Alex sought help from Professor Sue Walker and the team at Mercy Perinatal.
There are approximately 3 million stillbirths a year globally. The clinical research team at Mercy Perinatal strives to bring mothers and their babies safely home.
Through the development of a world-first blood test, Mercy Perinatal aims to detect ‘danger signals’ from the stressed placenta in pregnancies at high risk of stillbirth. Such at-risk babies could be safely delivered and provided with the medical attention they need.
In 2015, Prof Sue Walker and the Mercy Perinatal team were there every step of the way to help during Alex’s high-risk pregnancy to care for and deliver her rainbow baby, Isabelle.
Alex was eternally grateful for the safe arrival of baby Isabelle, she wanted to create a legacy. So, Alex created the Mums of Mercy, a special group of women dedicated to making a difference. The group came up with the idea of a Silver Wattle Gala Ball to raise funds for Mercy Perinatal.
In a touching dedication, the Gala is named in honour of the silver wattle tree where Jack’s ashes were buried.
Alex’s wish is that no mother or family will have to experience stillbirth.
Mums of Mercy and Mercy Health Foundation invite you to attend the 2024 Silver Wattle Gala Ball on Saturday 19 October at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, Grand Ballroom at 7pm. This special, black-tie event will be a fabulous night to remember, filled with entertainment, fine dining, auctions and the chance to make a real difference to Mercy Perinatal and bring mothers and babies safely home.
Purchase your ticket to the Silver Wattle Gala Ball by visiting our website.