Case Studies

Our patients continue to inspire and amaze us every day with their positive attitudes as they live their lives with a range of illnesses.

Here is Shanti’s story:

Shanti is one of these brave patients - a bright little girl who loves life and has an amazing sense of compassion for other people.  Having already had two healthy boys, Shanti’s Mum, Heather, was ecstatic when she gave birth to a perfectly healthy looking baby girl with long hair and big green eyes. Then, all of a sudden, little Shanti stopped breathing and turned blue. Once revived, she stopped breathing again. When this repeatedly occurred, she was rushed to intensive care.

Shanti’s first home was the Grace Centre for Newborn Care at The Children's Hospital at Westmead; where she had the first of many operations.  Her condition, diagnosed as VACTERL Syndrome, affected her heart, spine, kidneys, bowel, bladder, hand and oesophagus. The complex nature of Shanti’s condition made it vital to identify all possible defects and treat them accordingly.  Shanti’s medical care has involved numerous staff and specialists from many different areas of the Hospital including Cardiology, Nephrology, Spina Bifida, Orthopaedics, Urology, Rehabilitation, Occupational Therapy, Pathology and Nuclear Medicine.

Most of the staff from these departments have known Shanti since she first came to the Hospital as a newborn baby, nine years ago.

Read about Gaby's story:

Fourteen-year-old Gaby is affectionately known as ‘Singing Gaby’.  She wakes every morning with a song and is still going as the sun sets and day becomes night.  It’s one of life’s mysteries though that Gaby has no spontaneous speech yet has a repertoire of songs ranging from nursery rhymes, Wiggles & Hi-5 through to ABBA, Kasey Chambers and the National Anthem.

Gaby has a rare degenerative metabolic disorder that is incurable and whilst her condition is presently stable, the prognosis is poor and her medical needs complex.  Gaby is unable to walk,  she has seizures and requires feeding via a gastrostomy tube into her stomach at three-hourly intervals throughout the day – 24 hour care, seven days a week.

Gaby and her family have been visiting Bear Cottage for seven years for regular respite. During those stays her parents Tony & Seanne along with her siblings are able to take a break from the unrelenting medical and physical needs and re-charge their batteries.  They can enjoy each others company and regain a sense of ‘normalcy’ to their lives while the nursing staff at Bear Cottage take over the day to day management of Gaby’s condition.

Whilst their life is not easy, Tony & Seanne take comfort in the fact that when the going gets tough or their ‘tanks’ are running a bit low, they can access Bear Cottage for help and respite and at the same time, connect with other families travelling a similar path. 

Gaby’s regular visits to Bear Cottage are always eventful and for the staff, volunteers and other families staying at the same time, it’s anyone’s guess what artist will feature next in her entertainment line-up.

Bear Cottage is a lifeline for the many families who access the hospice each year and with your support, you will enable us to make that experience as positive and rewarding as it can be.

For more information on Bear Cottage go to www.bearcottage.chw.edu.au

Both Shanti and Gaby’s stories are two of many thousands of stories from The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Bear Cottage each year.  Every generous donation given to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Bear Cottage helps us make sick kids better.  With your gifts, provided through The Children’s Hospital at Westmead Toy Drive Appeal, we will continue to provide both Shanti, Gaby, and many thousands of other children, with the very best care and treatment in our total healing environment. 

For other ways you can help our sick kids, please visit our website to make a donation www.simplygiving.com.au/chwtoyappeal

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