Community & Business
2 December, 2025
Fundraising for a wickedly good cause
A FUNDRAISER supporting a local charity will be held for the first showing of Wicked: For Good at the Malanda Majestic Theatre on Thursday.
The event will serve as a fundraiser for Moyamoya Australia, which was founded by Ravenshoe local Nicola Baker in 2019 after her son, Jed, was diagnosed with the rare and progressive Moyamoya Disease when he was just a few years old.
Jed has always had an affinity with music and is a big fan of Wicked, having seen it twice on stage already. Coincidentally, Keala Settle, who stars in the new Wicked movie, also has Moyamoya Disease.
The actress played Lettie Lutz, also known as the Bearded Lady, in The Greatest Showman. One week before she took to the stage at The Oscars in 2018 to perform her anthem, This is Me, she had a stroke and was diagnosed with the disease.
Ms Baker said fundraising for research into Moyamoya disease was the only way to help others with the same condition.
“Jed is now 22, and whilst he will never be able to live independently, he is living his best life and now is the time for me to help others in our situation,” Ms Baker said.
“We have funded over $100,000 to Macquarie University for training and research, but importantly, for the generation of a database of genetics, and we are pleased to have had our first patient’s contributions to that incredibly vital resource.
“This work is so important because so many of our Moyamoya warriors feel alone. We don’t know why Jed has Moyamoya Disease, so we are working hard to find that key, and we also strive to support our families through their own journey with this rare disease.
“We are the only charity in Australia who provides this level of support specifically for Moyamoya Disease.”
The screening will be held this Thursday from 5.30pm at the Malanda Majestic Theatre. Tickets are $40 and includes a complimentary glass of wine on arrival and nibblies.
There will also be a raffle, a live auction, and a prize for the best-dressed attendee. For more information or to purchase a ticket, visit https://moyamoyaaustralia.org.au/wicked-premiere-screening/
