By Danielle Kutchel
The Berwick and Narre Warren CFA crews will be out rattling their tins this Good Friday to raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital.
It’s an appeal that holds a special place in the heart of Berwick CFA members Meg and Chris.
Not long after helping to launch the Good Friday Appeal in 2019, their son Bailey was born with low blood sugar.
He wasn’t even 24 hours old before he was in the care of the RCH Specialist PIPER team.
Bailey was so unwell that at less than two days old, the RCH PIPER team transferred him to the NICU at Monash Children’s Hospital.
After a few weeks Bailey was stable enough to come home, newly diagnosed with a rare condition called hyperinsulinism.
But a few weeks later, it was discovered he also had bilateral vocal palsy and hernias, all of which required further treatment and surgeries.
Meg, Chris and Bailey have spent a lot of time at the RCH with Bailey seeing multiple specialist teams.
Now, he is a happy 20-month-old who defies the odds every day.
Meg said having her own experience with the RCH has made her more aware of the work the hospital does.
“From the moment we met the staff, they were so confident and reassuring. As a parent you can’t hope for anything better,” she said.
“We would like to thank them for what they do for every child – it’s phenomenal, the amount of effort and time they put into patients.”
She will be out with her fellow Berwick CFA members on Good Friday, shaking tins at the intersection of Clyde Road and the High Street in Berwick.
She urged those in the area to give generously to the hospital.
“This chance to give back is totally amazing, you’re able to contribute to a cause that helps so many people.
“It’s been a tough year for everyone, but any small amount makes a difference,” she said.
You can also contribute to the tin shake online at https://www.virtualtinshake.com.au/fundraisers/DanKraan/virtual-tin-shake?fbclid=IwAR32_nTQwG8bikk73FM6S8THzlgCIfYSmeLd0uthrH193jxRq11fHgpo9Qg
