Medical Mission
and Care

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Gold Coast Medical Support: Three Decades of Protecting Lives

One Volunteer, One Hospital, and a Three-Decade Journey

In 1991, senior volunteer Julia Wu happened to walk into Mater Hospital in Brisbane, beginning a deep and enduring connection between Tzu Chi on the Gold Coast and the hospital.

A Baby Weighing Just 374 Grams

In 1992, a premature baby named Jonathon Heeley was born at Mater Hospital, weighing just 374 grams. So tiny that he could almost fit inside a Coca-Cola can, he became known as the “Coke Can Kid.”

At the time, through Julia Wu’s efforts and outreach, Tzu Chi volunteers raised funds to donate an advanced heart monitor, providing vital support to the medical team caring for this extremely premature baby. Jonathon survived and grew up healthy, becoming an unforgettable part of this story of medical support.

More than three decades later, Jonathon has grown into a healthy adult and pursued a career in dance and the performing arts. From a 374-gram baby to someone who now inspires and teaches young people through dance, his journey is a remarkable testament to the dedication of medical professionals in protecting precious lives.

From Medical Equipment to Long-Term Partnership

In 2000, Tzu Chi volunteers on the Gold Coast began supporting the local public hospital. Guided by the teachings of Tzu Chi’s founder, Dharma Master Cheng Yen — “Take from the local community and give back to the local community” — volunteers united the loving contributions of more than 130 families to donate heart monitors and blood oxygen machines, supporting the medical care of premature babies and children.

Over more than three decades, Tzu Chi on the Gold Coast and Mater Hospital have walked side by side, from medical equipment to medical research and maternal mental health services. In 2021, Tzu Chi also supported Catherine House at Mater Hospital, helping provide mental health support for mothers and their families.

From one volunteer walking into a hospital, a single act of kindness grew into a lasting force for protecting lives, transforming a one-time donation into long-term medical support and partnership.