THE parents of an infant who suffered a brain bleed are urging people to support the Good Friday Appeal.
The charity raises much needed funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Narre Warren resident Kassandra Sinclair, 20, and her partner Adam Evans know first-hand the importance of the appeal after their son recently received treatment for hemophilia – a rare bleeding disorder that prevents the blood from clotting properly.
Ms Sinclair gave birth to Cooper seven weeks ago at the Frankston Hospital and the following day he was rushed to the Royal Women’s Hospital with a bleed between the layers of his brain.
“It was very scary,” Ms Sinclair said.
“We thought he may have had gastro and he was very pale. Then he was rushed off.”
Ms Sinclair had to remain in the Frankston Hospital for a night while her son was treated at Royal Women’s Hospital.
He was discharged from the hospital and was home for five days when he was then sent to the Royal Children’s Hospital for further treatment.
Ms Sinclair said that at nine months old Cooper will need surgery to have a port installed to administer medication, and then will need treatment three times a week for the rest of his life.
“(We) never thought we would have a newborn in the Royal Children’s Hospital,” Ms Sinclair said.
“I think the Good Friday Appeal is important because (as a parent) you never know what’s going to happen.”
Since 1931 the Good Friday Appeal has contributed more than $245 million to the Royal Children’s Hospital.
In 2012, the appeal raised the record-breaking $15,820,640 from the Victorian community.
This year’s Good Friday Appeal is on Friday 29 March.
To donate phone 9292 1166 or visit the Good Friday Appeal website at goodfridayappeal.com.au.
