Help us bring
hope to children
living with EoE
We're supporting local research to improve treatments and monitoring of Eosinophilic Oesophagitis in children. Help us, help them.
The research that can
change this
Every dollar you give goes straight to the research that could change everything for kids with EoE.
We're raising $30,000 by August 2026 to back Dr Scott Nightingale and his team at HMRI and John Hunter Children's Hospital — local researchers working to develop better treatments and kinder ways to monitor EoE. Together, we can turn hope into real answers for children and families right here in the Hunter.
Donate Now 
Dr Scott Nightingale
HMRI & John Hunter Children's Hospital · Hunter New South Wales
Real familites. Real Impact.
Behind every project is a child
hoping for answers
This research isn't just about science — it's about children and the families watching them struggle every single day. Your support helps take this research from the lab bench to the bedside.
Meet Felix
Felix has spent most of his life navigating painful procedures, food fear, and the daily reality of EoE. In the past 18 months alone he's had six medical procedures — but with careful treatment, his team has narrowed his triggers to just two foods. Kids like Felix are exactly why we're raising $30,000 for EoE research.
“We hope to get to a point where he is happy and healthy again.”
- Arti's mum
Arti was diagnosed with EoE at just 14 months old. He still can't eat solids. Every day, food gets stuck in his throat — causing pain, vomiting, and distress that no toddler should have to face.
Donate Now make a real impact.
Help us reach
$30,000 by August 2026
Every dollar goes directly to the research team at HMRI and John Hunter Children's Hospital. Together we can give children with EoE a better future.
Donate Now More information
Why is this research needed?
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Current research into Eosinophilic Oesophagitis (EoE) faces two major challenges.
Firstly, there is no reliable, non-invasive way to monitor the disease or track how well treatments are working. Children often need repeated endoscopies under general anaesthesia, which can be stressful and invasive.
Secondly, treatment options are limited. Swallowed steroids can reduce inflammation but are not always effective and may be required long-term. Elimination diets can also be difficult to maintain, socially isolating, and may lead to nutritional deficiencies.
How will the research be conducted?
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The research team is working with children diagnosed with EoE at John Hunter Children’s Hospital.
They will build a tissue bank using small oesophageal biopsy samples already collected during routine endoscopies. These samples will be used to grow organoids — miniature models of a child’s oesophagus — in the lab.
This allows researchers to safely test food triggers and trial new treatments without exposing children to unnecessary risk or restrictive diets.
What are the main focus areas of the research?
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Better disease monitoring: Exploring non-invasive ultrasound techniques and more personalised patient questionnaires to reduce reliance on repeated endoscopies.
New treatment approaches: Using lab-grown organoids to identify food triggers and test potential new medications in a safe, controlled environment.
What impact could this research have?
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This research has the potential to significantly improve the lives of children with EoE by:
- Reducing the need for repeated invasive procedures
- Making diets more targeted and easier to manage
- Improving nutrition and overall quality of life
- Supporting the development of a promising new treatment
HCRF & HMRI
HCRF is an auspice group of HMRI, meaning we operate as a volunteer committee under the governance of HMRI.
HCRF is a volunteer committee dedicated to raising funds that go directly towards research supporting children and families in the Hunter New England Region and across the globe.
