Little Stroke Warriors
Hi, my name is Dana, and I’m honoured to be representing Little Stroke Warriors at the Melbourne Ironman Series in 2025. This cause is incredibly close to my heart, as my 16-month-old son, Luka, recently suffered a stroke—every parent’s worst nightmare.
Witnessing his strength and resilience has been both humbling and inspiring.
While it’s been the most traumatic experience of our lives, Luka is showing incredible courage and making an amazing recovery.
It has driven us to take action and raise awareness for pediatric stroke, a condition that far too often goes unnoticed.
The journey hasn’t been easy, but we are deeply grateful for the unwavering support we’ve received. To the incredible teams at Monash Children’s, Ronald McDonald House, and the Starlight Foundation, thank you for making such a difficult time as comfortable as possible. Your care and kindness have meant the world to us.
To our dearest family and friends, we truly couldn’t have gotten through this without you. The endless food, cuddles, phone calls, and messages have been a lifeline. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you—we love you more than words can say.
And to my darling husband, I’m so proud of you. Together, we’ve faced this storm head-on, and I couldn’t ask for a better partner. We make a great team, I love you ❤️
Participating in the Ironman isn’t just a personal milestone for me; it’s an opportunity to shine a light on the reality of pediatric strokes and the vital work that the Stroke Foundation does. By supporting me, you’ll be helping raise awareness and funds for families affected by stroke, offering them the resources and support they need to navigate this challenging journey.
Please join Pat & I in raising awareness and making a difference for little families like ours. Every little donation helps, if you're unable to donate please share our page 🦋
Thank you for helping me make a difference for little warriors like Luka.
Thank you to my Sponsors
$1.02k
Bunnings Wonthaggi - Team Luka
$520
Emma O’donnell
$263.75
Home Of Inspire
Little Luke, you’re so incredibly brave and strong. We all love you so much. You’ve got this xxx
$211
Lumi Studio
Our best wishes to you guys x
$105.50
Cam Mcpherson
It's amazing to face something so traumatic and work to make it into something positive, to make life easier for those that end up in a similar situation. Keep doing you, you're amazing!
$105.50
Brendan Mcpherson
Thinking of you all through this time
$105.50
Glen Sussman
$105.50
Lorna Wood
🫶🏻 Strength & love x
$105.50
Reggie Lee
$105.50
Sian M
$105.50
Kirsty Milnes
$100
Kelly Geary
very saddened to hear about luka’s stroke. sending lots of love. the best parents
$100
Norma Ellis
Persist, persist, persist.
$100
A
You and Pat are amazing xxx
$79.13
Sarah, James, Odie And Finny 🧡
All our love and support for your beautiful family 🧡
$79.13
Simon Haines
All the best to Pat and Dana..
$79.13
Abby Van Den Broeke
So proud of you and Luka bear🤍
$54.12
Sarah Wilson
Inspired by you & Luka!
$54.12
Bianca Thomas
$54.12
Rachael Barber
Good luck with your upcoming run. Was amazing to share the road with you yesterday. Your gonna smash it
$52.75
Ashley Mcpherson
Lots of love and support to Luka, Dana, Patrick and Ari xxoo Love Ashley, Ashleigh and Lachlan
$52.75
Bonny Huitema
$52.75
Karen Burgan
💪
$52.75
Michelle Grace Hunder
Wishing you guys all the best with everything!! Brave little man x
$52.75
Anonymous
$52.75
Anonymous
I hope every bit helps for such a beautiful family xx
$52.75
El Domazet
🩵
$52.75
Simone D
Wish I could be at the fundraiser today, but donating from afar! Sending you all so much love. So proud of you.
$52.75
Trish Walker
Keep up your outstanding work you have my complete respect. Kind regards Trish Walker
$52.75
Sara Bartoskova
I wish your little one a quick recovery ❤️🙏🏼
$52.75
Allison Roberts
You are one strong woman - run girl run!
$52.75
Karlee Dobbie
For your little warrior, what an amazing little man 🤍
$52.75
Emily Blyth-jones
Get it Dana 💪 wishing for a speedy and seamless recovery little guy
$52.75
Mariko Whyte
Let’s go Dana!! Love you girl, you are such an inspiration 🩵
$52.75
Anonymous
$50
Alison Napier
What an incredibly strong family all round, wishing Luka a good recovery. Safe training and racing!
$42.20
Anonymous
$31.65
Bailey Keeler
$31.65
Bethany De Bruyn
<3
$31.65
Ashleigh Pribilovic
$31.65
Katie Cottle
$31.65
Emma Stephenson
$31.65
Renee G
$30
Alirra Kavanagh
You are one amazing mumma 💛
$27.81
Hannah
Sending best wishes to your beautiful boy and family. Pat shared a little of your story whilst at a photoshoot and what a warrior Luka is.
$26.38
Tina Gephart
Best of luck Dana! Love you and your family
$26.38
Glenda
Much love and strength to you all especially Luka.. xo
$21.10
Amelia Barratt
$21.10
Kate M
Sending love to your family
$21.10
Kate Heath
$21.10
Anonymous
$20
Ash Chizzoniti
Goooo Dana!! We’ve loved watching your journey. Luka is very lucky to have you. Much love Ash and Cali xx
$10.55
Rose Silk Silk
Sending love to the family
