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Clijsters wins hearts with hospital donation

Clijsters wins hearts with hospital donation

AAP/Image: SMP Images Sunday 10 January 2010 14 Comments »

Kim Clijsters’ popularity has always been high in Australia but she won over even the hardest of hearts after claiming the Brisbane International tennis title.

Clijsters, who beat Justine Henin in an epic three-set final on Saturday night, donated her $37,000 first prize to Brisbane’s Royal Children’s Hospital.

The 26-year-old mother of one made the donation after being touched by the hardship of young cancer patients on a visit to the hospital a week before.

Video: Kim Clijsters’ visit to Brisbane’s Royal Children’s Hospital

Clijsters said the children’s struggles, and that of their families, had affected her deeply.

“It changes you, it stuck with me for days,” she said. “It’s terrible to see kids [suffering].

“There were boys and girls Jada’s age, 17 months and three years old, with brain tumours and everything.

“You wonder how it was possible for a young baby like that and it’s not easy.”

Formerly known as “Aussie Kim” when previously engaged to Lleyton Hewitt, Clijsters has kept in touch with some parents of the young patients leading up to her final.

She hoped her “small amount” would encourage others to support the public hospital.

“I thought what can I do? ” she said. “It’s run by donations and sponsors everything.

“It’s a small amount but hopefully it can help other people and other people can see it that it’s a good thing and hopefully other people can donate.

“Maybe in the long run it can really help.”

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  • kath1511

    What a truly selfless and generous donation! Kim as always been a wonderful competitor and this shwos she is also a wonderful person

  • Felyce

    Kim is genuine, big hearted woman. She doesn't try to please; she's pleasing no matter what. Would love to see a picture of her child.

  • Nettiepa

    Kim, You are a wonderful example to others. Looking at the photo above is very meaningful to me. My brave beautiful grandson fought a rare liver cancer 4 years ago. He was treated in the Royal Brisbane. During his illness his mummy and her sister shaved their heads and with the help and support of family and friends raised $80,000 for the Banksia ward and outpatients (children's oncology). The money went towards making the ward a brighter place and buying toys, dvd players, new curtains, washing machine etc etc as well as doing up the parents room and play room. A big part went to having a wonderful artist paint the walls….as you can see by the welcome art work behind Kim she did a great job. I know that donations can put smiles on sick kids faces and help the families some what. I just wish there was a cure for all childhood cancers as there was no cure for our hero and we all miss him every day. His life was just a short three years. Thankyou Kim for letting us know that there are wonderful generous people amongst us.

  • Helene

    Kim you are just a wonderful human being. How generous you were in donating your winnings. What a classy and special lady.

  • http://www.scottgroves.com/ Scott

    Kim… you are all class… on and off the court!
    Congratulations on your superb win and inspiring gesture.

    Grover

  • Kathy

    I think that what Kim by donating her winnings to the Hospital was a very generous offer on her behalf she say's that it is only a small amount but when you are struggling with trying to either pay your hospital bills or find treatment for your child having someone donate thousands of dollars is wonderful, I work in my local Community Centre and deal with people who are hungry, homeless and sometimes don't even have a change of clothes on occasions so having money donated to any worthwhile cause is beautiful. So Kim and her family well done and hope that your future is filled with good health and happiness.

    Kathy

  • greg

    Such generosity is exemplary! Kim Clijsters is a great and truly impressive person so refreshing to see someone act in such a way.
    Thank you Kim

  • Ramesh

    You are the true champion in Brisbane and a good ambassador of the sport. Well done, Kim.

  • Joan

    You are one classy lady-congratulations on your win & a big thank you from the people of Brisbane for your very generous donation. Best wishes to you and your lovely family.

  • kayhan

    i realy love you keep it up you are the real women who know about the children care and health

  • Denny

    How toughtfull Kim is… God bless u and your family, Kim

  • Linda

    I was already sitting on the edge of my seat, hoping that you would win the women's final. If I had known that you were planning to donate your prize money to the Royal Children's Hospital, I probably would have chewed off all my nails and pulled my hair out. I would look pretty foolish right now. Your generosity is exceptional. What you did brought tears to my eyes. You are a special person and will always be loved by Australians.

  • leonardstevens

    Once again Kim shows her quality. Would like other members of WTA to learn from her.
    Leonard

  • wilfried van dooren

    Being in the top-good-mother-mood, Kim is able to support lots of hearts,
    she's got the 'guts' from her father, motherheart from her mother, team-spirit from collegues, and last but not least : no fear to loose … once in a while … learning from
    every loss, belgian are unconditionally proud to offer such human being…

    Wilsvrede sint-niklaas belgium

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