Ruby
Age 16. Youth advocate, project community member.
Research is important, it provides evidence for care and treatment. Without evidence, there is a risk that care provided will not be as effective as it could be. As someone who is interested in medical/health research as a career pathway I think being involved with Telethon Kids gives me great insight into the whole picture of what goes into a successful research project and how engaging the community is such an integral step in the process.
For those interested in research, I highly recommend getting involved. Not only are you helping out the researchers and community but you also gain so much insight into yourself, your ideologies, morals etc., which I find can be hard for many young people growing up surrounded by the internet and social media.