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Thanks to the generosity of Carnival Cruise Line’s guests through the Wiggle for Westmead program, Carnival has donated funds towards a number of vital services at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, including both Music Therapy and the Anaesthetics Virtual Reality Project.

To mark the donation, Carnival Cruise Line Australia Vice President, Jennifer Vandekreeke, and Carnival Playlist Production performers, joined Medical Director of the Grace Centre for Newborn Intensive Care, Professor Nadia Badawi AM in a special performance for patients.

Carnival’s Wiggle for Westmead program enables guests to participate in a dance on board to raise funds and awareness for The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. Continuing into its third year, over 10,000 Carnival guests have participated in Wiggle for Westmead, raising over $227,800 which has been allocated to a range of hospital projects since the partnership began.

The latest funding donated by Carnival will contribute towards 12 months of Music Therapy for the Grace Centre for Newborn Intensive Care and the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. The benefits of this therapy have been proven to comfort and relax infants with complex medical conditions who are in physiological and psychological distress.

“The support we have received from Carnival over the past three years has been instrumental in improving the quality of the care we provide to the babies and their families in the Grace Centre for Newborn Intensive Care, and this latest donation will allow us to help even more,” said Professor Nadia Badawi.

“Not only can Music Therapy calm patients in a stressful environment, it can also help families connect with their children through voice when it is sometimes difficult to even touch them.”

Carnival will also aid the Anaesthetics Virtual Reality Project, allowing young patients to explore the operating suite before their operation. This is an exciting new way to remove a little of the uncertainty of having an operation and make the whole trip seem that little bit easier.

“The Children’s Hospital at Westmead is very near and dear to our hearts. We are thrilled that we are able to support the hard working doctors and nurses as they care for their courageous young patients. Our guests have truly embraced the Wiggle for Westmead which is a testament to their support for The Children’s Hospital at Westmead,” said Jennifer Vandekreeke.