SMILE... About our ambassadors “Our greatest desire as parents is that our children grow up to embody the finest of all human qualities. We want them to be joyful and resourceful, kind and funny, clever and generous. We want them to have endless opportunities and the enthusiasm and capacity to realise them.Mostly, we want them to be healthy. Parents of children with rare diseases want the same things. But without the necessary research to find cures, they are forced to confront the extreme challenges of caring for their children, unsupported. The SMILE Foundation recognises the vital role of medical research in extending and improving the lives of these children and their families.” Elle Macpherson, 2007 |  | Elle MacphersonGlobal Ambassador
Supermodel, actor, businesswoman and mother of two, Elle Macpherson embodies the spirit of the SMILE Foundation, combining creativity, business acumen and compassion. She is one of the most recognisable faces in the world, appearing on innumerable magazine covers, starring alongside Hollywood’s finest in films such as Sirens, The Edge and Batman & Robin, and appearing on NBC sitcom Friends. Her lingerie collection Elle Macpherson Intimates is a leading international brand. Elle is committed to improving the health of children. In addition to her role as SMILE Ambassador, she has also been Ambassador for UNICEF UK’s Baby Friendly Initiative (2005) which helps parents make informed choices about how they feed and care for their babies. Elle is currently a European Ambassador for (RED), a global initiative in the fight against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. |  | Joh BaileyAs one of Australia's most respected and dedicated hair talents, Joh Bailey's name has become synonymous with not only beautiful hair but with glamour and style. His dedication to his craft as well as his clientele has seen his name rise to icon status throughout the country ensuring his longevity as Australia's most loved stylist. Joh and his salons have become an institution in the Sydney scene since he opened his flagship salon in Double Bay in 1985. His commitment to the SMILE Foundation and philanthropy in general is evident by his desire and willingness to not only lend his name to charity but to get involved on every level. Joh’s business success and caring nature have enabled him to support a number of charities. “I believe wholeheartedly in the concept of giving, especially where children are concerned and am proud to be a SMILE Ambassador”. |  | Ilan KidronAn ARIA nominated singer, musician and screen composer, Ilan Kidron’s star has risen dramatically in the last two years as front man of electro dance music band “The Potbelleez”. Growing up in a musical household in Sydney, Ilan picked up his first guitar at 5 years old and hasn’t stopped strumming since. Over the years he also studied the flute and piano and has now finetuned his extensive repertoire to include cabaret, jazz, classical ensemble work, blues, electro, dance and rock. He has also acted in short films, TV commercials and presenting. The past 18 months has been spent touring with the Potbelleez after their massive success with the song “Don’t Hold Back” which Ilan co-wrote and sings. When approached to be an Ambassador for the SMILE Foundation, Ilan’s response was “I found myself immediately wanting to be involved with SMILE. The children are so brave and creative and have great senses of humour despite their suffering. I am proud to be an uplifting ambassador for such a cause”. |  | Adam WilliamsAdam Williams’ versatility as an artistic director, choreographer and performer has seen him work extensively throughout the entertainment industry both locally and abroad. With a wealth of experience in the world of commercial dance, fashion and musical theatre, Adam is well respected as an innovative leader in his chosen field. Adam can currently be seen as a series regular in his second season of TV’s, So You Think You Can Dance. He has worked with the likes of Kylie Minogue, Tom Jones, Delta Goodrem and Natalie Bassingthwaighte and has performed on stage in productions including Titantic – The Musical, Saturday Night Fever and Chicago. “I’ve joined the SMILE Foundation as an Ambassador because I appreciate their hard work and commitment to the children and families suffering from rare childhood diseases. I recognize the vital importance of an organization that serves as an address where these families can turn to”. |  | Tracy MannAward winning actress and Logie winner, Tracy Mann has been a familiar face on our stages and screens for over 30 years. Amongst her many roles, she recently starred in the acclaimed Australian film, Hating Alison Ashley, for which she received an AFI nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Tracy brings an abundance of enthusiasm to the SMILE team. "I was struck with the SMILE team’s genuine desire to make a difference in an area which is chronically underfunded. The daily challenges of families, and many single parents, coping with a child with a rare disease is unfathomable and unending. Research, family support, networking and access to information is vital. The SMILE Foundation is central to this and deserving of your generosity." |  | Belinda BarbagalloMother of 2 girls, Belinda Barbagallo joined the SMILE Foundation team as an Ambassador this year. Her nephew, Johnnie Sussanna was diagnosed with a rare lung condition at birth and was not expected to live to see his first birthday. It was through Belinda's tireless efforts that the Federal Government agreed to make a one-off Act of Grace payment of $1.5 million so Johnnie could be flown to the US for lifesaving treatment. Johnnie lived ten full, mostly healthy years until sadly, he passed away suddenly last year, aged 10. Her family’s tragedy coincided with Belinda leaving her work in the travel industry after 10 years when she became inspired to get involved with SMILE. “The SMILE Foundation has been a blessing for my family as they understand and share in the knowledge that there is nothing more distressing than a child in pain. I am sincerely proud to be involved with SMILE and its wonderful, vital work”. | 
| Lisa ForrestLisa Forrest has been a household name for thirty years. As a teenager she represented Australia in swimming. Lisa captained the women’s swim team to the Olympic Games in Moscow in 1980 and then won gold medals in the 100m and 200m backstroke at the Brisbane Commonwealth Games in 1982. Lisa was the first high-profile female athlete to successfully move behind the microphone – she has worked in television and radio and now is most often heard on ABC Radio 702. Lisa is also the author of four novels – the most recent, Boycott, is a non-fiction account of the controversial lead up to the Moscow Olympic Games. Her greatest achievement is her 6 year old son Dexter. Lisa was drawn to the SMILE Foundation’s commitment to the health challenges that face Dexter’s generation (and their families) and looks forward to working closely with the Foundation to achieve its goals. | 
| Ambre HammondBorn in Cairns in 1977, Ambre began piano studies with her mother at the age of 3 and gave her first concert in Sydney at age 5. In 1990, 12 year old Ambre achieved a World Record, which she still holds, when she received the Associate and Licentiate Diplomas of music in the same year. At 16 she received the First Prize in her first International Music Competition held in Argentina. She also recorded and released a CD of music by Franz Liszt titled 'Devotion' which was funded by Australian artist Arthur Boyd who was astounded with Ambre's natural ability and invited her to be first Artist-In Residence at his Shoalhaven Property 'Bundanon'. Ambre has performed both solo and with Orchestra throughout the world to consistent acclaim from both critics and public alike. Renowned Hollywood film writer and composer Lalo Schifrin was commissioned to write a unique Double Concerto for Jazz Trumpet, Classical Piano and Symphony Orchestra especially for Ambre and James Morrison which premiered at the launch of the SMILE Foundation at the Sydney Opera House in July, 2007. Ambre's latest CD release 'Reverie' (2009) is a compilation of some of the most beautiful compositions for solo piano from Bach to Rachmaninoff, Granados to Scriabin. |
|