Four-year-old Mia is known for her cheeky, sassy personality. She loves guinea pigs, enjoys experimenting with make-up, and spends as much time as she can exploring with her big brother and little sister.

Mia was born with Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects her ability to breathe. Shortly after birth, she required urgent medical care, and at just five weeks old, she was transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. There, she underwent a tracheotomy to support her breathing and spent several months receiving specialist care.

Since then, Mia’s world has included both hospital care and time at home with her family. What stands out most is her sense of curiosity and the joy she finds in everyday moments, especially when she is with her siblings.

Recently, Mia experienced something new. She became one of the first children in South Australia to take a trip in the TLC Ambulance.

With support from TLC for Kids and paramedics from the South Australian Ambulance Service, Mia and her family travelled safely to the Goolwa Animal Farm. It was a day filled with simple, happy moments. Meeting animals, sharing laughs, and spending uninterrupted time together outside of a clinical setting.

The TLC Ambulance is a fully equipped, specially designed vehicle that makes these outings possible. It includes features such as a wheelchair lift and accessible space to support children with complex medical needs, ensuring they can travel safely and comfortably. With clinical support on board, families can step outside the hospital environment with confidence, knowing care is always close by.

The service operates in South Australia and Victoria, and supports children in palliative care to access meaningful experiences beyond hospital walls. Referrals come through healthcare professionals, ensuring each outing is carefully planned around the child’s medical needs.
For Mia and her family, the day was about being together and enjoying a change of scenery. Time that can be difficult to access, made possible through thoughtful planning and the right support.

Through services like the TLC Ambulance, TLC for Kids creates opportunities for families to spend quality time together in a different setting. Moments that are simple, meaningful, and centred on being a family.