How robots are getting sick kids back to school | Megan Gilmour | TEDxCanberra

[@sofiatclara]

Keeping sick kids connected to their classrooms, now this is the work of a soulful entrepeneur.

[@cliftonwilliams7489]

I reckon! Shes awesome!

[@megangilmour4751]

Thank you. It's work that really matters; helping all kids to reach their potential and have a meaningful life.

[@megangilmour4751]

Thanks, Sofia. We appreciate your support. The work is worth it and the reason we don't give up when the change isn't coming fast enough.

[@SocioForce]

The fact that the volunteer group 'Missing Schools' started in a living room and now helps children nationwide is beyond inspiring! 👏🏻👏🏻

[@alibabagurjiani]

The failing of a system so well described. Policy and procedures make us numb toward the work we do and caring isn't one of them.

[@dpesca]

so many failing systems

[@megangilmour4751]

so true! We trigger caring so the policies and procedures follow. It's great to get your insights, thank you.

[@corkyamos]

“Saving a life is about more than saving a body”. More people need to know this.

[@zackpinonet]

True!

[@megangilmour4751]

I agree, Corky. That's what we're working on!

[@thereallybigplanet]

Every single kid has a right to education. No matter if they are they able to attend schools or not! If not government, then parents should take care of it. Amazing story, thank you.

[@therealprincessareeba]

Couldn't agree more. My parents didn't ensure I had an education and now I struggle so bad.

[@megangilmour4751]

it all starts with the humanity and the rights, but fails in execution. We are driving the change for sick kids and maintaining the opportunity for the voice of parents. Thanks for your support.

[@sylviacrittendon]

The sense of normalcy that Megan did her best to provide for Darcy is a beautiful example of a Mother's love.

[@caroldendy851]

yes so right

[@megangilmour4751]

Sylvia - thanks for your encouragement. Belonging, connection, meaning are so important and, as it turns out, easy to do. It's been great watching the kids embrace this. It's made my life better, too.

[@elaineward1925]

If there was ever a purpose, this woman is amazing.

[@megangilmour4751]

thanks for your inspiring words; it's feedback like yours that helps us keep fighting for the kids.

[@helenimnotready]

How painful for a child when everything gets too painful too carry on, and a mother who found the reasons for him to want to carry on.

[@megangilmour4751]

very painful to watch and feel, and how fortunate that we have been able to turn this pain into an opportunity to help Darcy but also many others. Thanks for your support.

[@UnforgivingSpleen]

Incredible how this initiative not only helps individual kids but also aims to reform whole systems... It must feel so validating to see the lasting impacts on education and healthcare!!

[@megangilmour4751]

We are getting progress at national levels now - time to drive it forward. Thanks for the shout out.

[@emmasmythe]

Three mums on a mission to find a solution. "Courage before confidence, leap not lag" - great words and that's how you get things done.

[@ronheslegrave9487]

This is so true, never deny the power of women and mothers!

[@randubrown]

you know it!

[@megangilmour4751]

it sure is, but the courage to leap is often the hardest to find. The reward is in what we witness with the kids every day. Keeps us being brave :)

[@johngayton]

Back when I was in school they would just send your homework home with a sibling... It really warms the heart to see how far we've come in making sure sick kids don't miss out on their education

[@megangilmour4751]

The technology to enable real-time two-way connection is only going to get better. There's hope in their education for sick kids. Thanks for watching.

[@dpesca]

It's sad that there aren't more government incentives for these sorts of things, but thank goodness for this woman - i mean, it's terrible that it took her own child getting sick but there would be so many children so grateful for this, life changing really.

[@elaineward1925]

Here in Australia our government doesn't really care about any one who isn't able bodied.

[@megangilmour4751]

Eventually, we'll get there. Nothing like lived experience to galvanise change. It's always the trigger. Thanks for your support.

[@bilbobaggins3rd]

This commitment to making sure all sick kids have access to this technology is truly admirable. She's a real advocate for change.

[@megangilmour4751]

Thanks for the encouragement, every bit helps us to keep going for the goal of ending school isolation for sick kids.

[@erickjans]

I give a standing ovation to you, Megan.

[@megangilmour4751]

I'm honoured, and thank you so much!

[@maryyouson4404]

Knowing that Darcy's struggle is now helping countless other kids is both heartbreaking and beautiful. Here years later his legacy is already making a difference.

[@hubert-olszewski]

Oh wow, "the cruelest expression of low expectations." Her compassion and empathy is the best.

[@sofiatclara]

you are fast Hubert!

[@megangilmour4751]

we are seeing amazing results for these kids; apparently they can rise to meet their potential!

[@chancesestor]

My highest admiration for these ladies for solving the critical link to sick kids recovery by helping them stay connected to their school communities.

[@rubyguil4622]

On the other side of pain, there's always an unexpected gift that arrives for each individual. Some take longer than others. Wonderful talk, thank you.

[@flodavis]

And the real truth, well said Ruby!

[@lgeekgamingl]

👍

[@tyronecaojr]

So true Ruby.

[@liamnneely]

great woman.

[@rubyguil4622]

@@liamnneely yes for sure.

[@bethanybutzerthesurfer]

Can you imagine being a sick kid, stuck in a hospital, and then getting to check into your classroom from bed and be part of the crew again? Must feel so uplifting!

[@megangilmour4751]

They love it! Thanks for watching.

[@marleydocker59]

Shouldn't have to take a Mother's wisdom for health professionals to see how important holistic measures are. We are only human, and being included and feeling a part of a community is such a healing thing.

[@josiemartaine4743]

Sadly, medicine is a long way removed from humanity

[@megangilmour4751]

Marley, you're right - it's pretty basic... inclusion, belonging, being seen and heard. We'll keep fighting for these kids to get them recognised for school support. Thanks for encouraging our work.

[@donthegiese]

I've never thought about how isolated those kids must feel. Not just because they're sick and in hospital but being cut off from the daily social interactions would be so tough.

[@megangilmour4751]

Indeed, it is so tough. We're working to get "learn from anywhere" to business as usual. Thanks for watching!

[@andrenotagiant2752]

2:06 - Saving a life is about more than saving a body. We are nothing without our spirit and drive to move forward. What an incredible Mum.

[@josiemartaine4743]

Beautifully put

[@megangilmour4751]

Thank you so much for your support, Andre. Indeed, "we are nothing without our spirit and drive to move forward". So well said!

[@karakims8239]

I love how she highlighted the healing power of connection for the kids and for the bigger picture too.

[@TheRealLoveChannel]

Feeling left out and isolated is one of the worst things a person can experience, let alone having to fight with severe illness for their life.

[@megangilmour4751]

Absolutely. And it's pretty easy to make hard days better - connection and care make a huge difference in tough times.

[@BroadMarginGirl]

Picturing those kids' faces lighting up as they log into class for the first time. And their friends freaking out with joy to have them back? Ugh, so many feels. We need more of this goodness in the world!

[@megangilmour4751]

Your support of this initiative means a lot! Thanks for spreading the goodness.

[@joanbacon7056]

Amazing story through her child's illness and many children that didn't make it. How amazing is this woman and her son.

[@juicystar1370]

Absolutely incredible. Such an amazing Mother.

[@emkegillis]

great mom for sure...

[@andididntknow]

this is amazing!

[@valeriegervais]

Thats a mothers love for sure!

[@andididntknow]

@@valeriegervais truth!

[@jessiedallen]

This is so important, it's not just about education it's literally about saving lives.

[@megangilmour4751]

Saving hearts and minds, not just bodies. Staying connected with a life other than illness - yes, saving lives. Thanks for caring.

[@justinjjtaylor]

If there's one thing I become hyper aware of during the lock down was the neighbourhood children, you could hear how frustrated and pent up they were getting not having the outlet of school and being able to connect with one another. I felt terrible for them. Now to think of the kids that never get the opportunity to be apart of a classroom... I am very grateful for this woman and what she is doing and I hope that more funding gets put towards this. This seems like such a way forward.

[@mountain-climber]

Very true!

[@megangilmour4751]

thanks for sharing your observations, and, yeah, they get so lonely and feel forgotten. There's so much more we can do. We're grateful for your support.

[@declanmackenzie0001]

Hospitals and treatments are scary and confronting for adults, I can't imagine her son's terror. He's a super hero in my eyes.

[@megangilmour4751]

The kids are truly remarkable - super heroes for sure. One of the reasons we need to back them. Thanks for watching.

[@surasakwichairak]

Oh my goodness! The power of one! Megan, you are a powerhouse, all that you have achieved and changed for so many children! Thank you!

[@blaisedominique]

Incredible work, she has a lot of love in her heart and a fire in her belly. Appreciate what she's doing so very much

[@megangilmour4751]

thanks for your kind comments. In truth I can only do what I do because I have the support of so many: my team, my family, partners, supporters like you. We will keep on going until all kids have the opportunity.

[@emmashubert]

The lack of information and comprehensive research on seriously ill students missing school really speaks to just how significant that gap in understanding and support truly is.

[@megangilmour4751]

And it's still the same today - can you believe it! But we are getting momentum on this front in close consultation with government.

[@sukyevers]

I can only imagine the joy that would radiate from those children's faces. You are doing such amazing work. I bet it's so tough sometimes but gosh you are doing amazing things. Thank you Megan!!

[@asikahoinka]

Brilliant ted thanks for pushing to me!

[@alanpotsypotts]

Loved this!!

[@tyronecaojr]

great mom!!!

[@caro.7487]

what a wonderful story and such good work, bless her.

[@asikahoinka]

@@caro.7487 😍 🥰 😘

[@Happy-Dayze]

It must be such a wholesome moment when a kid reconnects with their class using one of those robots.

[@megangilmour4751]

It's so wholesome - it's a joy bringer. Thanks for your support.

[@majorburns4550]

I was reading an article today about accessibility, and how before the lock downs, people with disabilities were begging for accessibility but were always told no for whatever reason. Since the last year or so now though, advocates are saying accessibility has totally changed and why didn't we just listen to people with chronic illnesses before?

[@mountain-climber]

It's a pity it took us so long for sure

[@davidhanson8232]

Yes. If this last year has taught us anything it is that there is much more potential for change that we were told

[@ulisseditaque]

@@davidhanson8232 Exactly that

[@mountain-climber]

@@davidhanson8232 yes true!

[@mountain-climber]

@@davidhanson8232 yes!

[@clairemortimer606]

Back in my day, we didn't have such advanced technology. It's heartwarming to see how far we've come in ensuring that sick students don't miss out on their education.

[@megangilmour4751]

That's true for me, too. Now, the options and opportunities will become better and better for kids who can't attend school in person.

[@mylescolton]

What an amazing woman. Megan, you would have paved the way for many children and I do hope that after all these lockdowns the powers that be see the importance of accessibility to this!

[@shimmikang]

I know a few parents who must see this video, Megan proves that it can be done

[@eddieakpabio]

Funding needs to be allocated to programs like this

[@valeriedijkstra]

Couldn't agree more

[@surasakwichairak]

She's incredible

[@megangilmour4751]

thanks, Myles! We're still working hard to get this to BAU. Ironically, these kids were more connected in lockdowns, when all children were learning from home through technology. After school has returned to face-to-face, they've been cut of once again. We will continue to work for them.

[@maureenwatters321]

This is the sort of innovation I live for

[@MisterekMr]

Thanks for sharing Mo, we will have to speak to Kayden about this on Friday.

[@megangilmour4751]

the kids are simply amazing; their resilience is inspiring and they just want to be normal. Being present in their community gives them hope. Thanks for sharing!

[@rustyacton]

If we think deeper and understand how many places don't even have an internet connection, we understand that not many children have this indisputable right for education.

[@movemetoexcel]

yep agree!

[@megangilmour4751]

Rusty, thanks so much for pointing this out. We hope our work floats the boat for education inclusion everywhere but showing what's possible with a little effort and a small investment.

[@dakjussord821]

Not a wonderful way to grow up, fighting for life and existence. What a wonderful mind this woman has, empathy and intelligence combined.

[@megangilmour4751]

thank you for your support. It's amazing to see what early interventions can do, and how a little help can have a big impact

[@dakjussord821]

@@megangilmour4751 thanks back at you, great talk!

[@TheSoundOffNow]

The emotional toll of missing school is immense. This concept seems like a beacon of hope for students facing such challenges.

[@megangilmour4751]

Thanks for the shout out. You said it so simply!

[@jonaspotrykus]

This wasn't what I thought it would be, but it's a very good talk and idea.

[@majorburns4550]

It's a brilliant talk!

[@megangilmour4751]

thanks for taking the time to watch. Interested to know what you were expecting as this always help us build better.

[@Tell-Us-Now]

I can't imagine how difficult it would be to see your child losing hope like that.

[@megangilmour4751]

So difficult. The good news is that we can help sick kids find hope through some play, learning and normality with their peers and teachers.

[@josievannorman]

We can do so much and create real change we we need to, congratulations Megan this is wonderful.

[@maehaslet]

Agreed!

[@megangilmour4751]

I agree; we don't realise what we're capable of until we're push. Thanks for your support!

[@kathy-ward]

Anyone else kind of really sad to hear how massively the school system has failed chronically ill kids? It's like they just decided it wasn't their problem, but it is 100% their responsibility to help maintain these kids access to education

[@megangilmour4751]

Thanks for championing school access for sick kids. It really a game-changer, and so easy to do.

[@mountain-climber]

I love her accent, I had always thought all Australians sounded like Steve Irwin, but she has a beautiful sound.

[@megangilmour4751]

haha, this is the best! I hope that means that leaders in our country can hear my voice and we get the support these kids need, everywhere, every day.

[@amayaroonie2166]

Being able to connect with their classmates and teachers and feeling "normal" again has a huge ripple effect for children coming out of hospital, how wonderful to be able to provide it to them while they're still being treated.

[@megangilmour4751]

Amaya - you're so right! We can keep them connected all the way through so they don't have to wait. It's easy to do and just makes sense. Thanks for your support.

[@shannonpscofield]

I feel you and your child's pain as well as your firmness of conviction, thanks for your story.

[@megangilmour4751]

thank you; it's a love story that goes on. We value your support.

[@charlievantas]

My heart broke when she talked about the daily tears and struggles... I can't imagine how deep she had to dig to get past them and into space of solving the problem

[@megangilmour4751]

I figure my tears and struggles are nothing compared to what I know the kids go through. But the positive work has definitely pulled me out of dark place time and time again. Thanks for your support.

[@mikethesailor]

This is a very clever solution for making sure sick kids still get real time learning. And placing them in the classroom instead of the other way around is genius.

[@megangilmour4751]

It works well for all the kids in the classroom, when their absent friend/peer returns via the robot. Thanks for the support.

[@markheichorn]

i really hope that you continue to get more funding and this becomes more and more accessible! what a fabulous thing to help children, to give any sick child some sort of normalcy and connection. what a beautiful talk and an inspiring woman!

[@judeblyth3606]

We need this in the USA!

[@markheichorn]

@@judeblyth3606 the world you mean!

[@Favekillertunes]

this is such smart innovation, and done in Australia, I am seeing a lot of good things come out of that country these days.

[@darkclouds3320]

What a good mum.

[@megangilmour4751]

Mark, the funding is always the challenge and this year we're working hard to keep providing this service. Every cent counts and we work to know that one day this will be business as usual. Thank you.

[@evanesterneg]

I love how she puts it, robots in the classroom sounds so futuristic!

[@megangilmour4751]

Thanks for your support! The future is now 🙂

[@thomaspowell3rd]

Lately you don't hear about the good tech can do, because so much of it is just about profit, this is good!

[@maehaslet]

So powerful seeing what technology can give to the world, right!?

[@justinjjtaylor]

Agreed! This is exactly how it needs to be utilized!

[@megangilmour4751]

Thomas, the tech is the enabler; all the action happens after we get the kids back into their classrooms through tech. Thanks for your thougths.

[@rubylcharlotte]

The ripple effect of isolation in the highly developmental phase of life is devastating. How lucky we are to have the technologies to put an end to this for young children.

[@megangilmour4751]

Can't agree more! Thanks for sharing your insight.

[@luisaesperanza]

In a day and age when we are scared of AI and robotics, a talk that gives us hope that humanity can be applied to technology.

[@fredbrodersen2734]

This is exactly how we utilize AI to work for us!

[@maehaslet]

So very true. There is so much about all that can go wrong, it is uplifting to know that good is being done

[@megangilmour4751]

yes! Robots extend and unlock human potential, not replace. Humanity + technology creating social good.

[@toughtimesneverlast]

Congratulation Megan on having 30 robots connecting sick kids to their classrooms and school communities. The world needs more people like you.

[@megangilmour4751]

Hey Never Last - we're heading into the hundreds since the talk. Thanks for cheering us on, it keeps us going with the good work

[@rowanfoster3120]

This honestly gives me a different perspective of illness. Makes me sad.

[@joanbacon7056]

should give you hope too!

[@megangilmour4751]

They can be dark days, Rowan, that's for sure. And it is why we can do more to keep people - importantly kids - connected, right at the critical time.

[@maevequinn]

As a mother whose child spent months in the childrens hospital with asthma I can't even explain how happy this made me. It's not just about missing school but the boredom they go through and how their minds can wander into very unhelpful territory when left alone for so long.

[@megangilmour4751]

we hope your child is doing well now and that the asthma is under control. Your words "how their minds can wander into very unhelpful territory when left alone for so long" sums it up. Hoping to change this for good.

[@ulisseditaque]

When it becomes the problem of all parents, in 2020, the solution was found pretty quickly. Why we care only when it is our problem???

[@mylescolton]

We are all in survival mode and that can take care away very easy

[@bellemaba]

What a beautiful woman with such an admirable dedication to helping her son and other sick children is truly remarkable.

[@megangilmour4751]

You are so kind, thanks for the support - it helps us keep doing the work!

[@dustinprichards]

ur son is rly lucky to have u.

[@karlaknight]

same thought here.

[@megangilmour4751]

Dustin, thank you for your support. I feel like the lucky one - the kids lead the way. They have so much courage, and they are honest about what they want. It's helped us to be guided by the kids!

[@jonrhome]

So cool that she didn't just stop pushing for this initiative after her son no longer needed it. That's true selflessness and philanthropy in action.

[@megangilmour4751]

Thanks for cheering - this is what keeps us going!

[@emkegillis]

It's an irony! The schools that didn't even have open ideas around education and schooling from home and then 2020 happened.

[@davidhanson8232]

This talk is a great example of how innovative people are and how they should be listened too

[@megangilmour4751]

Absolutely! And then everyone understood the effects of social isolation and how debilitating that is. Time for a new era of support. Thanks for sharing your point of view.

[@megangilmour4751]

@@davidhanson8232 Thank you, David.

[@maynardsavery]

This really speaks to how important it is to stay connected doesn't it? Not just for kids - I know that's what this is about - but that need for connection is something we have at all stages of life and I think a lot of people just forgot that and allow themselves to be isolated.

[@megangilmour4751]

We agree! Virtual care is possible when physical distance or inability mean a person can't be present. Thanks or watching.

[@cliftonwilliams7489]

Wow, 60,000 kids in Australia just left at home to exist with the family, no education, no connection to peers and missing our of school learning due to illness.

[@megangilmour4751]

Yes, Clifton, and it's a global problem. Millions of children worldwide experience school isolation due to illness. We hope to change it here in Australia and see the ripple effect to wherever it's needed. Thank you.

[@steeveleibold531]

Children being so sick that they're hospitalised for lengthy periods of time is already such a rough scenario but the added challenge of maintaining their education would feel like such an impossible pressure for the parents. It's so amazing that this woman has created something to alleviate some of that pressure.

[@megangilmour4751]

Thanks, Steeve. You're right - it is a tough time for the kids and their whole family, including their siblings. The robots certainly help reduce the management burden. We appreciate your support.

[@vickycristena]

Yes that's no way for a child to experience life, watching from the sidelines, missing school and connecting with other kids.

[@dakjussord821]

couldn't agree more, she's setting these kids up for much more in life. so amazing

[@megangilmour4751]

Vicky, it's heartbreaking to watch, especially when we know it's simple to provide connection and support. Thanks for sharing your point of view.

[@berniesbiggestfan]

As a parent I cannot imagine having a child in hospital for two years watching them being poked and prodded. Hats off to you Winter.

[@megangilmour4751]

Thanks for the show of support @berniefan2645!

[@oguzkaanuremis]

The healing power of connection is what life is, though I have to say sometimes I find it all a bit too 'peopley' out there.

[@cyruslandon]

Holding the education department accountable. Thank you.

[@megangilmour4751]

Yes, Cyrus. Education for all is what they say, so it's a good reminder for this forgotten cohort. Thanks for your support.

[@lucastanard]

The statistic is impressive. But when nobody cares because it's not their job, that sucks.

[@sultanvagram]

oh i reckon!

[@lakylewashington]

The hurdles she would have had to conquer to get where she is - I know many children would be beyond grateful for this accessibility.

[@megangilmour4751]

LaKyle, thank you for your kinds words. We the love the challenger spirit and will keep conquering :)

[@georgiarouse]

Is caring not part of "our job"

[@13MYSTIX13]

So many parents don't realise just how harrowing it is to see one's own child suffering at no fault of their own. We see so quickly how basic things that most take for granted can be a big difference in the healing journey.

[@megangilmour4751]

connection is everything, belonging is lifechanging, being seen and heard is essential. As you say, sometimes all it takes is a simple thing to solve suffering. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here.

[@bettamargot]

Loved hearing about how Missing Schools was started from scratch with other moms... just shows that change can start from the smallest groups with the biggest hearts.

[@megangilmour4751]

Community is everything. Appreciate the shout out!

[@billyzwilliams]

It's awesome that Australia is leading the way in using this technology... Hopefully other countries will follow their example and make this kind of support available to all the kids who need it.

[@megangilmour4751]

We are now working with schools to use their own technologies, which is where we hope this will head. Thanks for cheering!

[@MochaPundit]

Human connection is essential for survival and healing! Especially for kids. Glad this is being taken into account

[@megangilmour4751]

That is true. Appreciate your support!

[@barbsteele]

the love a mother can move mountains, clearly.

[@megangilmour4751]

And this one has definitely felt like moving a mountain. Still, it can be done. Thanks for the shout out!

[@livingclear5028]

Man, it breaks my heart thinking about what these kids go through, fighting to survive while feeling cut off from their normal lives and friends. These robots sound like they could be a total game-changer for helping with that.

[@megangilmour4751]

They have been a game-changer. Hoping to get schools to adopt a range of their own technologies now to keep kids connected. Thanks for cheering!

[@Trilogtheking]

What an amazing step for inclusive learning. This could make such a difference, not just for sick kids but for those with life-long disabilities.

[@megangilmour4751]

It can make such a difference. We have students who are quadriplegic dialing in with eye gaze technology and moving the robot around the classroom. Thanks for watching.

[@m8s777]

Her points on connection as a form of healing is so perfect 💜💜

[@megangilmour4751]

Thanks for watching. Love your take on it.

[@juicystar1370]

What she did to fill a need that no one even knew existed, except for those kids who needed it. This is amazing work.

[@megangilmour4751]

it's support like yours that keeps us keeping on. Thanks so much.

[@iamdadubdab]

Her story is a powerful reminder of how when we utilize technology properly it can have such a positive impact on our lives

[@megangilmour4751]

We are working on making it business as usual for kids who can't physically attend school. Thanks for watching!

[@ho_o_n_e_y__b_u_n]

I can't imagine what a relief it must be to have this as an option for those kids.

[@megangilmour4751]

Such a relief, and also a lot of fun. Part of our work is to turn frowns upside down

[@BrainDrainBabe]

It's pretty brutal to learn how lacking the support for students with serious illnesses was until now.... We need to prioritize their education and well-being.

[@megangilmour4751]

Thanks for supporting this issue - the more people who know and understand, the closer we'll get to changing it

[@colbyjames4843]

Oh my heart...."he started to give up." What a woman, what a wonderful mum so tremendously switched on and what an amazing journey for her son.

[@megangilmour4751]

Colby - thanks for your kind words. All I could see was my boy being amazing. It's hard to describe what these kids face and how they show up in the most harrowing experience. It's why we do the work - they deserve an opportunity to reach their potential, after fighting for their lives. We owe it to them.

[@katrienkarsen]

I applaud you. You overcame such opposition, indifference and ignorance but reached your goal. Your son isn't left to the side anymore. He is so lucky to have a mom like you.

[@janetsplace1953]

He sure is, wonderful woman...

[@megangilmour4751]

Thanks so much, Katrien. My son is a young man now and this is the way I give back for his life. There are so many more kids who now need the help. Our solution is set so this becomes business as usual.

[@TheyCallMeYellowGello]

Her dedication to keeping sick kids connected to their education is truly inspiring.

[@megangilmour4751]

Thank you, sincerely, for watching and cheering us on!

[@the-coffee-lover]

Thank you Megan for raising the issue of the trauma watching other children suffer causes to our children.

[@megangilmour4751]

@coffeelover8467 - we appreciate your support for our work! Providing positive school connection and ongoing social support is part of a strategy to ease trauma. We try hard to make it better for the kids.

[@esmeraldaximena]

She didn't give up and the result is worthwhile!

[@megangilmour4751]

I couldn't turn my back on these kids, Esmeralda. Especially since the solution is at our fingertips. Thanks for caring.

[@reynaque]

That pulling away when it starts to get too hard, that's when we need our support and to feel included the most. I think we have all been feeling that for the past few years

[@megangilmour4751]

Yes, isolation really hurts and the only cure is connection. This has certainly become a universal lesson since I gave this talk.

[@jim-chew]

I never thought about the long-term effects of missing school on a child's social and emotional well-being. This talk brings some much needed attention to an important issue.

[@megangilmour4751]

Thanks for watching! The more people who now about the issue, the better.

[@calvinhostetler]

Getting the attention of the Prime Minister is huge step. Fingers crossed it can lead to lasting policy changes for sick kids.

[@megangilmour4751]

We are still going ... government takes a decade! But we are getting there. Thanks for watching!

[@benjamingdorey]

It's so incredible that this woman was able to find a way to help her son and so many other sick children.

[@megangilmour4751]

Thanks for your support, Benjamin. We continue to work on this issue and hope it can help many.

[@clarasands8549]

I can't imagine how tough it must have been for Darcy to miss out on school and feel disconnected from his friends. It's inspiring to see the efforts made to keep students like him connected.

[@megangilmour4751]

Very tough for the kids, Clara. Even 12 years on from when Darcy was isolated, the majority of kids in this circumstance are still missing out. We know the technology is not the problem, it's the cultural change in schools that humans still need to navigate.

[@12100myts]

It's so amazing to hear about the impact of these telepresence robots! Isolation is a pretty awful thing to endure and on top of being sick I imagine it would be soul crushing, especially for kids

[@megangilmour4751]

It is. The good news is that we can turn this around, for every kids who needs it. Robots are just the start 😄

[@enesyldzsr]

This is really wholesome like 'Oh Darcy's too sick to come to school today but here's his robot!' So cool.

[@megangilmour4751]

It sure is! Thanks for the shout out @enesyldz5819

[@samacigrist]

I went through something really similar in my early teens and the way she describes her sons mental health being affected by missing out on school is really spot on. I wish there had have been something like this when I was in school.

[@megangilmour4751]

That must have been really hard. Thanks for sharing your personal journey, because it illustrates that the need for school connection has been happening for as long as kids have been missing school (it's not a new thing).

[@earlyeaston]

I think it speaks volumes about who she is as a person that she's continuing with this project even after her own child no longer has any need for it.

[@megangilmour4751]

Feel like I can't rest until it's done for every child who needs it. Thanks for your support.

[@tinycockcroft]

This is the most amazing example of taking control over an awful situation and creating positives from it

[@megangilmour4751]

@tinycockcroft4627 thanks for this observation. Turning the terrible situation into a positive has been lifesaving for me

[@ermacohen]

It’s heartbreaking to hear about the challenges these families face, that it's not just overcoming the initial sickness but then all the fallout of what that sickness causes

[@megangilmour4751]

That's so well said. We're getting closer to having major changes in Australia. Thanks for your support.