We are so grateful to everyone who joined us for an unforgettable evening at A Bear Affair and helped raise over $1 million for Bear Cottage! 

It was an evening of great food, fun entertainment and heart-warming moments, in support of our Bear Cottage children and their families.

We were honoured to have Bethan McElwee as our family speaker on the night. Her heartfelt speech was not only incredibly moving, but resonated deeply with our Bear Cottage families. 

An excerpt from Bethan's speech:

The phrase “all I want is a healthy baby” cuts deep for me, especially when close friends, expecting their first child, say these words. They don’t mean harm, but it stings. When their baby is born, people say, “Oh, he is absolutely PERFECT.” It’s painful because it implies that a
healthy baby, meeting all the milestones, is the definition of “perfect.”
But what happens when that’s not the hand you’re dealt?

What if your baby doesn’t cry because their lungs are too weak, or they can’t move, not because they’re “good sleepers,” but because they don’t have the strength? You wonder why, and people say things like, “your baby is relaxed,” “lazy,” or “don’t compare.” But deep down, you know something is wrong.

 Then came the day I’ll never forget—our paediatrician asked us to sit down. My husband Jonny said, “nah mate, I’m a stander.” But the news was crushing: “She has SMA type 1, severe and terminal.” 

In 2016, there was a clinical trial for Nusinersen, the first treatment for SMA, at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick. Patients treated with it were alive, while those receiving the placebo were dying. Aviana was granted access, becoming the first child in Australia to knowingly receive this treatment. We were incredibly lucky and blessed.

Avi was also scheduled for urgent PEG surgery as she was losing her ability to swallow. She had the surgery at five months, the week of Christmas—our first Christmas as parents. Not how we imagined it, but that’s when Bear Cottage entered our world

After Avi’s ICU stay, Bear Cottage (BC) was suggested as a place to check out for end-of-life care. At first, we resisted—who wants to admit they need that? But we fell in love with BC from the moment we arrived. BC is magical. It made our not-perfect baby feel at home. We’ve now been visiting for eight years, and it’s been a guiding light in caring for Avi.

I remember breaking down, trying to do my first PEG feed. A nurse, who we still adore today, held my hand and guided me through what
has now become normal for Avi. 

My first birthday as a mum, my first Mother’s Day—all celebrated at BC, are some of my most precious memories. Today, BC is a place of respite for us. As carers, we get tired. Carer burnout is real. BC gives us a break—a chance to reset and recharge. Avi also gets respite from us, letting the trusted BC staff care for her while she enjoys the activities she loves.

BC doesn’t just focus on the child with special needs— they celebrate the siblings too. Hugo, like many siblings of children with complex medical needs, often feels forgotten. But not at BC. There, he is given attention, focus, and purpose. It’s a place where he feels special and connected.

We can’t put into words how important BC has been for us. It truly takes a village, and BC is an irreplaceable part of ours. 

Nights like Saturday wouldn't be possible without the 2024 A Bear Affair Committee, who volunteer their time to create this special evening.

Watch the highlight video

Our heartfelt thanks our presenting partner the Tony McCullough Foundation and the generous event and prize sponsors. 

Earthworx Group, Truckmate Australia, Cloud9 Roofing and Guttering, Earthing Solutions Pty Ltd, Click With Love Photography, Tribeca, Henry & Hymas Consulting Engineers, Provident Project Management, Calabria Family Wines, 4 Pines Brewing Company, Hyundai Help for Kids, Pearls of Australia, House of K'dor and Wild Luxury.