ANNUALLY in Australia, just under fifty thousand babies are born very unwell, or prematurely before thirty-seven weeks gestation.<\/p>\n
To recognise these children and their families, and raise funds for the Life\u2019s Little Treasures Foundation that supports them, the 12th Walk for Prems is on the move this Sunday, 24 October.<\/p>\n
Foundation CEO Felicia Welstead said Ballarat people can take part in a COVID safe virtual walk to acknowledge and assist the families of premature babies who might be isolated in the current climate.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe theme of this year\u2019s walk is Together Again for Prems, and that is exactly what we will be doing, coming together, both physically and virtually, to raise awareness and much needed funds for families of premature and sick babies,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
In May of last year, Carly Delalande was 24 weeks pregnant when her water broke.<\/p>\n
Initially at the Base Hospital, the was transferred to the Royal Women\u2019s in Melbourne where she gave birth to her son a week later.<\/p>\n
\u201cI knew I’d have Lewis early, so we chose his name as it means famous or renowned warrior, and we knew he’d have to fight,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cLewis was in hospital for 135 days. We had to stay in accommodation near the hospital in Melbourne and were supported by Life\u2019s Little Treasures.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey do a lot of things for parents, like free breakfasts in the tearoom, a blanket when the babies turn 100 days old, books, online services and support network meetings. They\u2019re really good to families, and give out packs when you first have your baby.<\/p>\n
Born 16 months ago, Ms Delalande said Lewis is going well. He is \u201chitting all his milestones,\u201d with the support of a specialist team in Ballarat.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey gave his age from his due date… so he\u2019s really only 13 months old, but he\u2019s walking along furniture, crawling, and doing all the things he should be doing,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n