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Hi, I'm Ari
Seven-year-old Ari was just 22 months old when he was diagnosed with the degenerative muscle-wasting condition congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD).
He has a particularly rare form of the condition, putting him among just 50 cases worldwide.
Ari has never walked and uses an electric wheelchair to get around, but it hasn’t slowed him down.
Over the years he has required an increased level of assistance at home and school. But Ari’s wonderful sense of humour and fearless outlook on life - coupled with his cheeky, straight-shooting manner - doesn’t let anything stop him.
He’s supported by the team at Muscular Dystrophy WA, a Telethon beneficiary for more than 50 years.
Muscular Dystrophy WAHi, I'm Emily
Emily was born with bilateral hearing loss and diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at just three. She bravely endured years of intensive chemotherapy at the children’s hospital.
It meant regular finger pricks, daily oral medications, blood transfusions, intravenous drips and the many complications from chemotherapy.
She lost her hair in those dark days, but never lost her bright spark, sweet smile and zeal for living life to the fullest.
The disease is now in remission, but the eight-year-old still attends clinic every three months for review.
Emily has dreams of becoming a doctor one day so she can help others. She’s supported by Telethon beneficiary Telethon Speech and Hearing.
Telethon Speech & HearingHi, I'm Leo
Leo has a rare genetic condition called 22Q duplication syndrome. It was detected at an early age when he wasn’t meeting his developmental milestones.
The diagnosis uncovered the same chromosomal difference as his late brother.
The seven-year-old was more recently diagnosed with Titin muscular dystrophy. It’s an incredibly rare and evolving form of muscular dystrophy that causes weakness of his muscles.
He is the only child in Australia with this condition.
Leo is an incredibly friendly, happy boy and easily finds the joy in every moment.
He loves wheelchair basketball and his Rebound WA community, a Telethon beneficiary.
Rebound WA
Ari, Emily and Leo are the reason Telethon exists. They are our reminder to the community why every dollar we raise is so important. Watch them shine on 7 and 7plus this October 22 and 23.
Through the years
Read about previous Little Telethon Stars from through the years at Telethon:
- 2021 – Oliver Lim & Lucy Antipas
- 2020 – Nora Holly & Eamon Doak
- 2019 – Callum Berrisford & Eva Molloy
- 2018 – Kaide Stratton & Charlotte Meredith
- 2017 – Maddox Ball & Olivia Riley
- 2016 – Cody Colmer & Hailey Ardagh
- 2015 – Alyssa Bolger & Jayton Carter
- 2014 – Emily Prior & Patrick Majewski
- 2013 – Jack Day & Tahlia Polmear
- 2012 – Conor Brown & Sophie Read
- 2011 – Ben Popham & Savannah Addis
- 2010 – Phoebe McIndoe & Lachy Ross
- 2009 – Wade Clare & Trent Wailu
- 2008 – Tayla Taseff & Claire Davies
- 2007 – Bridgette Gilmour
- 2006 – Teagan Bryam
- 2005 – Nicholas Travia & Tahnee Hardy
- 2004 – Tayla Divitini
- 2003 – Annie Shreeve
- 2002 – Natasha Haederle
- 2001 – David Naso
- 2000 – Holly & Chloe Kneale
- 1999 – Thomas Clarke
- 1998 – Tamara Brereton
- 1997 – Darren Woonings, Jordan Matthews, Georgia Lowry
- 1996 – Gilliam Bowater, Cassandra Domjahn, Lisa Nicholas, Kyle Rogers, Jonathon Williams
- 1995 – (no child)
- 1994 – Ashley Harris
- 1993 – Edward Thompson & Amy Munro
- 1992 – (no child)
- 1991 – (no child)
- 1990 – Matthew Gare
- 1989 – Holly Clarke
- 1988 – Lisa Cutter
- 1987 – Matthew Webb, Melanie Hawks, Prudence Hawkins, Leigh Beardsley, Danny Desivieri, Samantha Williams
- 1986 – Amy Howell
- 1985 – Helen Francis & Luke Smith
- 1984 – Peta Meers
- 1983 – Tara Dalla Costa
- 1982 – Cassandra Hughes
- 1981 – Brooke Arbery
- 1980 – Paul Moorice
- 1979 – Blanch Mathiot
- 1978 – (no child)
- 1977 – (no child)
- 1976 – Louise Savauge
- 1975 – Gavin O’Farrell
- 1974 – (no child)
- 1973 – Lisa Tucker & Karen Green
- 1972 – Amanda Rose
- 1971 – Beth Crispin
- 1970 – (no child)
- 1969 – (no child)
- 1968 – Maryanne Lazerides