Easter appeal about helping our kids

THE Ballarat community has been contributing to the Royal Children’s Hospital’s Good Friday Appeal since 1963, and much of its support goes directly back to locals like Isabella Edwards.

At eleven months old, Isabella was diagnosed by RCH with lumber discitis and spinal osteomyelitis, after what her mother Manon said was an “unstoppable” walking streak.

“Bella was a really early walker at nine months old, she was just determined. Then about two months later she just stopped walking and she started having these awful pain episodes,” she said.

“We took her to a few different places and there just didn’t seem to be much concern, so we finally went to the Royal Children’s and they were amazing.

“They took blood tests right away, they put her onto an MRI, onto neurologists. They just left nothing guessed.

“We were able to reach the diagnosis and get treatment, and she actually started walking again when we were watching the Good Friday Appeal last year.”

Isabella stayed at the hospital for a week, during which Manon said the staff went “above and beyond” in supporting the family, putting them up at the Ronald McDonald House during her last night.

Manon has followed the appeal for years, but this year she has organised a raffle and morning tea at her workplace in order to give back to the hospital.

With an even greater appreciation for RCH, Manon she’ll be doing her best to contribute to the appeal year after year.

“You really see where the funds are going with all the knowledgeable doctors and the accommodation they offer,” she said.

“When it’s your kid and you see these doctors and nurses caring for them like they’re their own, it’s just beautiful.

“You remember these people forever, like I’ll remember each and every one of them, and tell Bella about it when she’s older.”