Hope in Action: Tatum’s Life-Changing Grant
Tatum is 12, energetic, outdoorsy and full of grit.
She also lives with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, a condition she was born with. Her adrenal glands don’t produce cortisol, so every day is carefully structured around lifesaving medication.
Her mum, Breeanne, explains what this looks like for their family.
“A typical day involves first round of medication at midnight. Next round of medication is at 5am. Then we normally wake the kids up and start getting ready for school. Tatum has another round of medication at 6am. Then she goes off to school. She has another round of medication at 1pm at school, then back home we try to wind down for the afternoon – my hubby and I do 40-46 hours of work a week, each – the kids come home, and Tatum has another round of medication at 6pm. And then we start the cycle all over again at midnight.”
That relentless schedule has taken a toll. “My husband and I share the midnight dosing schedule but after 12 years our bodies are starting to feel the toll of the broken sleep patterns,” Breeanne says.
Tatum also manages fatty liver and school anxiety linked to her medication routine. Her endocrinologist recommended an insulin pump to help stabilise her steroid intake and give her a better quality of life. But at $8,574, it was out of reach.
“We have a mortgage that is stretched – we are affected by the high cost of living… We also have Tatum’s medication. We have to take days off work regularly…and must also travel four hours to Brisbane every six months for appointments.”
Tatum is one of three siblings, and her family does everything they can to create moments of joy together. “We try to get outdoors, do a beach trip, go fishing – it’s our downtime,” says Breeanne.
Thanks to a Variety Queensland grant, Tatum now has her insulin pump – and it’s been completely life-changing.
Breeanne shares that after some minor adjustments, things are going well for Tatum, who is currently transitioning to high school.
“Tatum has just grown so much in the few short weeks she had left of school. She received the best report card she has ever had in six years and most of that came down to the pump and stability it has given.”
Tatum’s days are steadier, long-term leg pain has gone, eating habits are returning to normal, and best of all Tatum is able to go to bed at a normal hour and sleep through the night – along with the rest of the family.
This simple medical device provided thanks to Variety’s family of fundraisers is hope in action for Tatum. It’s giving her the chance to have a childhood – to grow, thrive and reach her full potential.
We invite you to watch our interview with Breeanne here:
If you are able to support kids like Tatum this Christmas, please consider donating to our 2025 Christmas Appeal. Thank you for your support!
