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James Wadland Night of Hearts 2023

The 9th Annual JWNOH was held at Sharkies at Kareela on 2nd April, 2023. The event is held in honour of my late husband, James Wadland, who at 35yrs of age passed away from an aortic aneurysm in 2013. Each year on his birthday, the event raises funds for The Baird Institute to support the continuation of their ground-breaking research into heart and lung disease. It is an opportunity for family and friends to come together and remember our beloved James and his legacy.

As a family we were suddenly left without a husband and father and our world became unbearable and devastating. Discovering the cause of his death was shocking knowing that his bicuspid valve was genetic and that it could have been prevented. Working with The Baird Institute has given me an insight into the importance of research in heart disease and genetics. A not-for-profit organization that relies purely on donations from its supporters is remarkable.

The Baird Institute has given me the opportunity to channel my grief into raising awareness of the work they do and to support research that continues to save lives so that other families don’t go through the trauma of losing a loved one. As a mum of two children knowing that even though we have been forever affected by such a devastating loss, we can choose to make a difference!

Please join our JWNOH team in this year’s City2Surf on 13th August 2023 and let’s make a difference together!

Stay in the loop

Subscribe to our Heart to Heart Newsletter to keep up with the latest developments in heart and lung research from The Baird Institute.

Honour a Loved One

  • Fundraise in memory of someone special to you.

Challenge Yourself

  • Run a marathon
  • Do a long bike ride
  • Walk 10km each day for a month
  • Do 50 sit ups every day for a week
  • Join an organised event such as the City to Surf

Organise a community event

  • Have a backyard sausage sizzle
  • Host a trivia night

Seek sponsorship to help you quit those bad habits

  • Give up smoking
  • Refrain from alcohol for a month or more

Celebrate Through Giving

  • Choose to give on your birthday: Instead of giving you gifts, ask your friends and family to donate to The Baird Institute.
  • Say “I do” to improving the lives of heart and lung patients: Invite guests to donate to The Baird Institute on your wedding day
  • Turn anniversaries or personal milestones into fundraising events.

Create a CrowdRaiser on GiveNow

  1. Go to CrowdRaiser for The Baird Institute.
  2. Click on the button “Fundraise for this cause” – just under the header image.
  3. Create your Crowdraiser. Fill in the requested details.
  4. Customise your campaign. Add images and messages to make your CrowdRaiser unique.
  5. Share the link to your fundraising page via email, social media, or any way you like.
  6. Let us know via [email protected] that you have created a fundraiser so we can say thank you.

Join a community passionate about making a difference. GiveNow provides a dedicated platform for Australian charities, ensuring your efforts directly support our mission.

Start a Facebook Fundraiser

  1. Go to Facebook fundraisers.
  2. Click on the blue button – “Select nonprofit”
  3. Search for and select The Baird Institute
  4. Set your fundraising target
  5. Choose your campaign end date & a title for your Fundraiser
  6. Personalise your fundraiser: Use the existing wording and photos or choose your own.
  7. Click on ‘Create’.
  8. Invite friends and family. Share the link for your fundraiser and encourage others to contribute.
  9. Let us know via [email protected] that you have created a fundraiser so we can say thank you.

Celebrate where your friends and family connect. Leverage your social network to make a real impact.