I'm fundraising for The Royal Hospital for Women Foundation
When our newborn Joseph was born at 37 weeks, he was coughing up mucus and shortly after was diagnosed with a rare birth defect which affects one in 5,000 babies. Nothing prepares you for childbirth when it doesn’t go as planned. Known as a tracheoesophageal fistula, it is when there is an abnormal connection between the oesophagus (the tube that leads from the throat to the stomach) and the trachea (the tube that leads from the throat to the windpipe and lungs.)
When he would swallow, the liquid could pass through the oesophagus and the trachea and into his lungs which can cause pneumonia and other problems. He had to have a nine hour operation to fix it and it was one of the longest days of my life. It was nerve wracking.
Joseph went into the operation at 8 am at The Royal Hospital for Women in Randwick and we sat in our room all day, nervously waiting for news. As if sensing our distress and anxiety, the hospital staff were brilliant, updating us about his progress as the day went along, but it was hard to focus on anything. We were beside ourselves with worry and still in shock about what was happening to our tiny newborn boy.
The surgeons, neonatologists and paediatrician reassured us that this was a routine operation and something they had performed many times over, but I kept thinking as the hours ticked by: this is such a big operation for such a tiny baby.
Joseph finally came out of surgery at 6.30 pm with the news we were yearning to hear: all was well despite a very long and complicated surgery.
Although I had held Joseph when he was born, we had to wait six long days while he lay in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit before I could hold him again after his surgery.
I held him close to me for one hour and it was the most special moment. I was so incredibly happy to have him with us, safely in my arms after such an ordeal. It was hard to describe how wonderful it felt.
The Royal Hospital for Women is one of only two hospitals in NSW with the suitably experienced surgeons and co-located facilities where such a delicate operation can be performed.
The Royal’s NICU relies on donations to ensure it can stay at the forefront of medical technology, including equipment like the NAVA ventilator that kept our son safe during his first week of life. This innovative machine uses an electrical signal from a baby’s diaphragm to intuitively sense a baby’s natural urge to breathe. The Royal is a leader in the use of this neonatal technology, with encouraging results and outcomes for babies who are premature or require surgery like Joseph.
We have just taken Joseph home where he is happily settling in to his own cot and joyfully exploring his fingers and toes.
He’s a very determined little boy and has surprised everyone with how quickly he has recovered.
All donations made to our fundraising page will directly help fund vital equipment for the NICU such as the NAVA Ventilator.
Laura, Dennis & Joseph x
Thank you to my Sponsors
$2.01k
Dennis & Laura
$1.01k
Derek & Rhonda Matthews
No donation could ever express our appreciation to the amazing people who helped our grandchild through his first moments. We are forever grateful. We can't wait to share in all the special times you will have as a beautiful family.
$510
Kristie & Andrew Simpson
Such a worthy cause, good luck beautiful family! Will share with friends also :-)
$510
Sam & Kaps
A great cause and a beautiful family
$310
Herd Msl
Such a brilliant cause! We are so thankful that Joey is now home wrapped up in his parents love. Special times and good health ahead. Can’t wait to meet Joey. Love your Herd family xxx
$208
Tristan Case
The best boy
$192.40
The Murphy’s And Uncle Petesy
Thinking of you all. All our love from the Murphy’s and uncle Petesy xxxxx
$156
Alan, Catherine, Maddison & Decland Matthews
Such an amazing feat. We are so happy for you both and can't wait to meet Joey. What a great cause.
$156
Lilian Johnson
Good luck with raising your goal. Hope your campaign can make a difference in saving other young babies.
$156
Jillian Cook
Best of luck Laura, Dennis and beautiful baby Joey. Warm wishes Jillian and Bernie Cook
$108.16
Daniel Barratt
$104
Charlotta Backlund
We can’t wait to meet Joey the warrior! Sending you so much love ❤️ Lotta, James, Hunter and Astrid xx
$104
Tom Allen
$104
Anonymous
So proud of you guys ❤️ Faye, Darren & boys xxxx
$104
Katarina, Todd & Max Mcdermid
Best wishes to you all. He's a beautiful boy! xx
$104
Ollie & Karen Xxx
Dear Laura & Den & little Joey, Such a good cause for helping the little ones early days 🥰🥰 xx
$104
Kat Beament
More for my baby boy 💙
$104
Loz And Yan (and Tink) Lecordier
What a distressing experience but one that had the best outcome thanks to the RHW and NICU. Donating to ensure all families get the same level of care. Lots of love Loz and Yan xx
$104
Agi, Dan & Margot Xx
$104
Lois O’sullivan
Love you BEST BABY, the little warrior!!
$104
Jane, Carl And Isla
So happy that Joey is making a good recovery. Sending lots of love to you all xxx
$83.20
Anonymous
$83.20
Derek Matthews
From kathy hall lanzarote the anonymous donation above is from dicio lanzarote
$83.20
Mick And Barb Lanzarote
$62.40
The Simonellis
Here’s to helping more precious babies and supporting the wonderful work of the RHW
$52
Lyndsay Gook
$52
Elise Clement
Sending you much love!
$52
Charlotte & David Shaw
Thank you so much to the incredible team who looked after our nephew, sister and brother in law xx
$52
Minouche
A very worthwhile cause. xx
$52
John Eyers
So happy for you
$52
Peter Beament
Hope I’ve done this correctly!
$52
Jen Leech
So sorry you guys had to go through but thank you for sharing and raising everyone's awareness, including ours xxx
$52
Claire Roberts & Danny Monk
Such a great cause x
$52
Kat Beament
For my perfect little nephew xx
$52
David And Kerry Carter
Sending you all lots of love x
$52
Sarah Burke
What amazing work they do at the NICU. Congratulations on your beautiful boy X x
$41.60
Lisa G
In recognition of your tough little fighter Joey… and all those that follow x
$26
Camilla
Love you Laura & can’t wait to meet little Joey xx
$26
Kirsty Lee
$26
Mel P
Amazing work attaching your experience to a cause xx
$26
Clare Azouz
Well done on raising money for this great cause Laura!
$26
Bryony
Good on you for sharing Joey’s inspirational story - what a fighter!
$26
Malwina Strutt
Wonderful cause and so happy to hear your boy is healthy and thriving.
$26
Kate Young
Such an incredible cause xx
