We're fundraising for the NICU at the Royal Hospital for Women
Dear Family & Friends,
As Amalia’s first birthday approaches, we often reflect on how lucky we are that she is here with us.
Having taken the time to properly process our experience, we feel that now is the right time to tell our full story in the hope of raising funds for the incredible NICU at The Royal Hospital for Women, where Amalia spent the first 4.5 months of her life.
After a relatively straight forward first trimester, the second trimester proved to be anything but. At our routine check-up at 23 weeks, our Obstetrician noticed Meg had high blood pressure and asked us to monitor it that weekend. On Sunday evening, it spiked consistently and we were advised to come into the hospital for monitoring. Little did we know that Meg wouldn’t be going home for the remainder of her pregnancy.
On Monday, Meg was diagnosed with severe early onset preeclampsia and we were introduced to a variety of doctors and specialists. With every conversation, we began to realise how serious our situation was. If untreated, preeclampsia can lead to the mother developing severe complications such as seizures (eclampsia), kidney or liver failure, or blood clotting problems. Whereas for the baby, it causes reduced blood flow to the placenta that can limit the baby's oxygen and nutrient supply, potentially causing slowed growth. The only definitive cure is the delivery of the baby and placenta. Given how early on in the pregnancy we were, this was not something we wanted to consider but slowly had to come to terms with our reality.
In 2024, the minimum viable age for a baby in Australia is 23 weeks (now 22 weeks at some hospitals). This means that they don’t offer any form of life saving care if you need to deliver before then. Between 23-25 weeks, it is up to the parents to decide whether or not the doctors resuscitate the baby at birth. At 23 weeks, there is a 60% survival rate with a 50% chance of a disability. At 25 weeks, survival rates rise to 75% and the likelihood of disability drops to 35%. With every day still inside, we knew our baby was growing and maturing. Every single morning, we had to decide whether or not we wanted to continue care if we delivered that day. It was a very dark time for us yet we always remained hopeful and committed to the baby’s health.
In the following couple of weeks, we had some close calls but Meg stayed in hospital and fought to hell and back to stay pregnant and give our baby the best chance of survival. At 25 weeks, Amalia had stopped growing and the medical advice changed from keeping her in as long as possible to that she would be safer in the outside world. On Tuesday 5th November 2024, we made the collective decision to deliver and our beautiful, precious girl was delivered at 11:27am, weighing a mere 501 grams.
She let out a big cry in the delivery room. The doctors said that was a good sign! But now the real fight began. We were told her first two weeks of life were the most critical. This is where her long and miraculous journey in the NICU commenced…
During Amalia’s time in the NICU, she received incredible, round the clock care. She had her own 1:1 nurse 24/7 and an amazing team of world-leading doctors. She was unable to breathe on her own as her lungs were underdeveloped due to her tiny size, so she was immediately intubated with a breathing tube and placed on a ventilator for 7 weeks. She was on 100% oxygen support numerous times. She had multiple lung collapses; as one would recover, the other one would collapse. She was born with a hole in her heart that they were able to close. She received injections in her eyes that stopped her from going blind. She had multiple blood and platelet transfusions, ultrasounds of her heart, lungs and brain and more X-rays than I can count. At one point, she had a cannula in all four of her limbs giving her nutrients and medicine.
Despite all of her challenges, we also experienced many of Amalia’s firsts in the NICU. The first time we got to hold her (4 weeks after birth), her first bath, the first time she tried breastmilk from a cotton tip. She even learnt to suck a dummy and got her very own bean bag chair.
In Australia, 1 in 10 babies are born premature. There were 44 beds in the NICU and every bed was occupied by a baby with varying complications and from a whole range of backgrounds and socio-economic circumstances. It’s a humbling experience yet for that reason, we never felt alone. Every family had a different story of shock, pain, grief, loss but most importantly…hope.
We aren’t the first family to go through this, nor will we be the last, which is why we want to give something back. We were shocked to discover that nearly all of the specialist equipment in the unit is donated, with each incubator costing up to $85,000. Given how fragile the babies are in the NICU, the doctors can perform surgery in the incubators and sync with mobile X-ray and ultrasound machines without having to move the babies from their beds. Other equipment includes ventilators, humidifiers, monitors, phototherapy units, ECG machines, capnographs, infusion pumps and defibrillators. The list goes on and on. Without this equipment, and the generosity of donors, Mali might not be here with us today. Hence the fundraising target of $85,000!
The incredible team at the Royal gave Amalia the best possible start to life. With your generous support, we can help ensure that every family who walks through their doors receives the same exceptional care we did.
Yours gratefully,
Jordan & Megan x
PS: If you've made it this far (thank you!) and would still like to hear more, please watch this short video we recently filmed together with The Royal Foundation to help spread awareness:
https://youtu.be/l2eYsVehBFY?si=eoLh8_86t6F_EnTE
Thank you to my Sponsors
$5k
Terry & Ivan Oshry
$4.22k
Patti And Tony Alex
Megan and Jordan, you've made this journey together and we're proud of you both. We're eternally grateful to the Royal Hospital for the care given to Mali.
$1.02k
Richard Donne
$600
Uncle Harley, Auntie Saskia, Heather, Phillip (& Pebbles Of Course!)
Happy birthday to our beautiful, smiley and strong, darling Mali 🥰 Sending all of our love from Manchester Xx
$555
Robyn And Joel Kaufman
Always makes us smile to see you 3 at Camp Cove, The Grumpy or the park… Happy birthday Amalia! Xxx
$515
Ricky And Kelsey
Happy birthday baby miracle Mali. Such an amazing story, and beautiful way to give back to those who helped made this true miracle possible.
$515
Emanuelle And Alex
Well done Megan & Jordy! You guys are superstars
$515
The Singhs
An amazing story and what a journey! An amazing team giving hope to so many people 🙏
$350
Leonard Meyer
Happy Birthday to my best little friend Mali. I love you and i know we will be best friends forever just like our Mommies are! with love Frankie
$350
Brian And Ingrid Shakenovsky
Such dedicated staff and such loving parents. Happy birthday Mali
$315
Judith And Harvey
$315
Lourens And Mari
Hi Meg and Jordan very happy birthday to Amalia’s birthday may she bring you guys lots of joy and happiness. All our love Lourens and Mari
$315
Amanda Poole
Happy 1st Birthday to your glorious bundle of love; a gift she is. Big hugs Amanda xxx
$315
Assoulin Family
You are so strong, and so loved Amalia! What a special way to honor your first year, Happy birthday!
$315
Josh, Susie, Lilly, Clemmie & Olive
Happy Birthday Mali!
$315
Gabby & Tobias
Happy birthday beautiful Mali 💙 Celebrating you, and sending all of our love.
$315
Ivan Friedlander
Happy birthday Mali What an inspirational story A tribute to Mali. Her parents and family and of course to NICU
$315
Isabella Rich
$315
Anonymous
Lots of love
$300
John Maguire
Dear Jordan & Megan Having just gone through the whole NICU baby experience ourselves, this post really hit home. Wishing you all the very best John & Monique
$257.75
Zane, Rach & Dean Marco
Happy Birthday and sending love 💕❤️
$211
Errol Bome
$211
Paige Hurvitz
To the most amazing trio, you are so strong and brave. Happiest first birthday Mali girl. We love you and so proud of you. Love Paige & Bev
$211
Marc Abrams
$206.50
Michael Joseph
$200
Gil & Bizzy
Happy 1st birthdayAmalia 🥳. You and your strong parents are inspirational!
$200
Nikhil & Kavina Kotak X
Sending you guys lots of love and positivity on Amalia’s 1st birthday. We hope you have the best time celebrating this milestone - it’s truly well deserved.
$189.90
Trevor & Sharon Harris
What a wonderful way to say thank you to an incredible institution
$189.90
Moses Family
We are so proud of you guys and our precious Mali girl. You are all fighters and deserve only the world. We love you, Moses fam
$189.90
Miki Stoliar
Happy birthday to beautiful Amalia With love Miki & Kevin
$189.90
Kahanovitz Family
Love the Kahanovitz’s!
$189.90
Kara, Max + Byron Brookman
Happy birthday, family! Lots of love from Oklahoma. We can't wait to meet Mali x
$189.90
Roy Shotland
$189.90
Sacks Family
Happy Birthday, Mali Love the Sacks’s
$189.90
Anonymous
The NICU and the staff in the NICU are amazing. Good luck raising your money…. X x x
$180
David & Sharyn Cohen
Happy birthday princess Mali xxx
$180
Mark And Sharon Bloom
Wishing Mali all the best for her future
$163.93
Jen Snell
Oh Megan, so sorry to hear about Mali's tough start to life but what a fighter! And what a great way to celebrate her birthday and highlight the amazing work NICU units do. Hope you and your beautiful family are well.
$158.25
Anonymous
So happy to see such incredible growth - sending love
$158.25
Ben Siderowitz
What a great cause. Sending all our love.
$158.25
Jamie And Cooper
$158.25
Jane Grossberg
Truly a milestone of note Love Jane and ian
$158.25
Anonymous
Happy birthday for Mali, Great donating to such a special cause. Xx
$158.25
Jessie Shand
Your little girl is amazing and so are you guys xxxx
$158.25
Zeev Thepris
I was very moved by your story Jordan, and very happy to see your beautiful family, man. Wish you nothing but the best, and hope this small contribution helps.
$158.25
Beverley Grace
$158.25
Michele Marco
$158.25
Miranda Lillystone
Sending lots of love from London. Mandy & Matt xx
$154.65
Sharon And Michael Bourla
Happy Birthday Mali. Such an amazing story, well done Megan and Jordan. Love Sharon and Michael xx
$150
Anonymous
We love you Meg, Jordy and Mali. Happy birthday superstar!
$150
Gregory Aubrey
Love you all very much even those who I don’t know! You are legends. May your daughter and everyone else lead happy and fully healthy lives. All my love. Xx
$150
Anonymous
$118
Anonymous
So proud of you Mali girl, Meg and Jord!
$118
Kira & Hadley Shapiro
Happy birthday beautiful Mali! You are a teasure! 🩷
$108
Anonymous
$108
Amy & Idan Briggs
Happy first birthday to the gorgeous Amalia
$106.12
Bernice Segall
Dearest Jordan and Megan You are an inspiration!! Wishing Amelia a very happy 1 birthday and many more healthy and happy years to come 🙏😘
$106.12
Ipe Varghese
Great initiative! Happy birthday Mali
$106.12
Anonymous
To a fabulous courageous family
$106.12
Debbie Wiener
Happy birthday Amalia. What a fantastic incentive. Well done guys xx
$106.12
Sam & Steve Diamant
Happy 1st Birthday Mali, no better way to celebrate you, and life, then by raising money for an important cause! We are so proud of yours and your parents strength! All our love Sam & Steve
$106.12
Diane Clennar
Happy 1st birthday Mali! xx
$106.12
Jonathan And Georgia Wiener
Happy birthday precious Mali. You are a true warrior and we are so proud of you!
$106.12
Adam Wiener & Jenna Bome
Happy Birthday special Mali! An inspiration to us all xx
$106.12
Sara & Aaron Moldovan
Happy first birthday to the sweetest little blessing Mali!
$106.12
Danielle & Shane
Happy 1st Birthday, sweet Mali 💛 What a journey and what an inspiring family x
$106.12
Louise & Judd Goldstein
Happy 1st Birthday Amalia! Sending love xx
$106.12
Amy Feilich
$106.12
Jess Booth
Happy 1st bday to Mali, what a strong little lady 🫶🏼🫶🏼
$106.12
Debbie & Anthony Horne
Happy 1st Birthday Amalia May you grow from strength to strength with the help of your beautiful mummy & Daddy who are both wonderful much love xxx
$100
Kane Foster
Happy 1st birthday Amalia 🩵
$93.74
Britt And Josh Bloom
Happy birthday Amalia!
$58.35
Ariel Shifren
Happy first birthday, sweet Amalia! What a special day — a whole year of love, laughter, and miracles. It’s such a joy to celebrate you and the wonderful little person you’re becoming. You’re so loved, and we hope your day is filled with cuddles, giggles, and all the happiness in the world. Lots & lots of love, Zach, Charlotte & Ariel
$54.12
Anonymous
$54.12
Aly Westbury
Little princess Mali making a big difference in the world 💕 Happy birthday!
$54.12
Elan, Cindy & Oshri Cohen
Happy 1st Birthday Mali! An incredible story, and a miraculous precious baby girl. Have a wonderful day all!
$54.12
Leor Mizrachi
You are all absolute legends! Happy birthday beautiful Amalia 🤍🤍🤍
$54.12
Bec Symonds
$54.12
Anonymous
$54.12
Anonymous
Great initiative!
$54.12
Jaime Glick
Happy first birthday to your miracle Mali !!! Sending love xxxxx
$54.12
Emily Hunt
$54.12
Leeann Edelmuth
Happy birthday 🥳 To years of health love and happiness xxx
$50
Anonymous
$50
Tori And Ollie
Happy birthday precious Amalia
$50
David Stewart
Happy birthday Amalia
$50
William And Zoe
Happy Birthday Amalia! Lots of love Xxxxxxxx
$50
Anonymous
$39.35
Brenda Hoffmann
$33.15
Anonymous
Happy first birthday to the warrior princess and her incredible parents x x x
$30
Mark Koorey
$27.81
Madeline Doran
Thank you for sharing your story and I hope you exceed your goal of 85k
$27.81
Lucy Humphries
For all the beautiful babies and families who deserve all the care and support in the world
$27.81
Anonymous
$27.81
Anonymous
Happy first birthday to the warrior princess and her amazing mummy and daddy xxx
$27.81
Mencey Rodríguez Barrios Rodríguez Barrios
$27.81
Annike, Ashley, Lily & Jacob Finn
Sending enormous love to you all. What a journey you have been on already. Happy birthday to your gorgeous Amalia. Xxx
$27.81
Michael Herz
Happy Birthday beautiful Mali. Keep that smile going it’s just amazing 🥰.
$22.58
Jennie And Nick
Happy birthday Amalia!
$20
Hadas Cohen
Happy 1st Birthday Amalia xxx
$20
Cheryl Cohen
Happy 1st Birthday Amalia x
$17.16
Josh Barnett
$11.65
So grateful for our miracle baby