05 September, 2012
Now you can support Mater Little Miracles by purchasing a wish token for $2 at selected Big W stores.
Little Daniel was born by emergency caesarean in December 2011 with multiple heart problems.
His mother Karen was also at risk, having developed a condition known as pre-eclampsia that threated to shut down her kidneys and liver. “We were rushed to Mater Mothers’ Hospital, where the staff were ready and waiting for both of us,” Karen explained. “Everyone knew who we were and helped us straight way. Our experience was flawless.”
Whilst out of immediate danger, the family still faced a great level of uncertainty. “Daniel had to stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for observation,” Karen said. “It was difficult not being able to take him home.”
After battling an infection common with premature babies, Daniel then faced stage one of a complicated heart operation when he was barely two weeks old. “He needed that procedure to survive,” Karen explained.
Whilst in hospital, Daniel’s parents kept a watchful eye over his progress. “I arrived at 6:30am every morning, and stayed by Daniel’s bedside until 4pm, and then my husband would come after work,” Karen said.
Thankfully, Daniel recovered extremely well. Thanks to your support, sick babies like Daniel can receive the treatment they need here in Queensland at Mater. “We had the choice to relocate to Melbourne for 6 months for Daniel’s heart operation, or receive treatment at Mater,” Karen said. “My husband and I weighed up the pros and cons, but we’re grateful to access exceptional care so close to home, family and friends,” she added.
While Daniel still has stage two of his heart operation ahead of him he continues to grow bigger and stronger. “We’re so thankful for the support we have received,” said Karen. “We have had so much love and care from the nursing and medical staff here at Mater. Without them, thousands of these little babies may not survive.”
You can help babies like Daniel by purchasing a Mater Little Miracles Big Wishes token for $2 from your local Big W store and also by
purchasing tickets for the latest Mater Prize Home Lottery .