Cause close to home for Kingy

Geelong legend Billy Brownless will join a slew of local personalities and peers for Sunday’s Light up the Green, transforming GMHBA Stadium into a driving range.

Teeing off on August 12 at 6pm from a purpose-built platform, the Hanlon Industries event raises funds for the Barwon Health Foundation Kids Appeal.

Media personality Tom King will kick off proceedings and said it’s a cause close to home after daughter Kensi spent over 50 days in the kids ward. “Having seen the work staff

(doctors, nurses, diabetes educators, dietitians, speech pathologist) did for our family at University Hospital during our numerous stays, I felt the need to say thank you in a way more tangible than words.

“Without them, Kensi wouldn’t be with us.”

Barwon Health ambassador, Mr King said in April 2016 they took their youngest daughter to hospital after three vomiting episodes in less than 12 hours.

“Following the development of nystagmus (involuntary movement of the eyes), she was whisked off for a chest x-ray to assess the possibility of neuroblastoma.

“Other possibilities were thrown at us including a brain tumour and none of them sounded like a good outcome, it’s not something any parent wants or should have to hear. Kensi lay barely conscious, with next to no response to anything going on around her.”

Mr King said after blood tests the doctor returned to the room to advise they would be moved to resuscitation, following the discovery that her blood glucose level was 0.8mmol/L.

“A scary few hours ensued as doctors, nurses and specialists worked to keep her conscious, stabilise her blood sugar, and investigate the cause of a blood glucose level that could easily have been fatal,” he said.

They spent 11 more nights on the kids ward before being discharged, and after two months of uncertainty were told Kensi had congenital hyperinsulinism.

“Kensi spent more than 40 days on the kids ward across four visits. She had a nasogastric tube placed with a view to utilising it for some short-term nutritional supplementation.”

A feeding tube was placed at the RCH which remained for 13 months until a procedure on August 3 replaced the PEG with a mic-KEY button.

“Kensi’s condition has stabilised significantly, but we know how unpredictable HI can be and the challenges that come with illness, etc.”

Mr King said Geelong needs a dedicated paediatric rehabilitation centre and whilst the McKellar Centre does a wonderful job, the region requires a facility that can tailor programs to children and teenagers.

“All money raised will bring us closer to making a kid’s rehabilitation centre a reality.

“As our experience with Kensi taught us, you just don’t know when and why you’re going to need Barwon Health.”

Tickets include a two-course meal and drinks, with all funds raised going to support the Kids Appeal, call 4215 8900 or visit barwonhealthfoundation.org.au for tickets.