Change for Colby- relocate for medical treatment

Hi, my name is Helen and I'm fundraising for my son Colby who is a 6-year-old boy and his Family. Colby is not just any Child he has undergone 64 operations with more to come. He has acquired brain injury, cerebral palsy, non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, chronic lung disease, COPD and a few other conditions.

Recently, life has dealt a devastating blow to Colby's family. Last week we were told by the team at Sydney Children's Hospital that Colby will need to stay within 50km of the Randwick Hospital which means not being able to return to our home on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland which is over 1026km and about 11hrs away. Our hearts shattered when we learned the news. Colby is a beautiful, happy boy who is adored by everyone, and he deserves a chance at a healthy life.

Since being born at 23 weeks in December 2016, Colby has undergone multiple brain surgeries, with more ahead the next being the 9th of May. Unfortunately, Colby can't receive the neurosurgical treatment in Queensland due to being over-shunted after getting his first shunt at 1 year old causing bilateral brain bleeds not once but 6 times over 18 months which resulted in the acquired brain injury diagnosis. We travelled to Sydney to get a second opinion which is how we met Dr Jacobson and her team who was able to turn his shunt off as he didn't need it and 1 year later was able to take it out. In 2022 Colby had a seizure so we presented to the Sunshine Coast Hospital where he had another seizure but he was sent home and told he had a virus. We then need to travel to Sydney Childrens Hospital which found the pressure in his brain was high and he required a emergency shunt placement meaning Queensland Health let him down again. In April 2023 Colby had another seizure and we presented to Sunshine Coast Hospital and again sent home and told it was just a headache so again we headed to Sydney where Colby needed multiple shunt adjustments and now waiting for a new shunt. Each surgery comes with risks to Colby with potential long-term effects on his health.

As you can imagine, this has taken a severe toll on Colby and his family, who have been by Colby's side day and night since birth. Helen has had to stop work due to Colby's needs. The financial burden on Colby's family is immense, both in the short-term and the long-term.

This is where your generous contribution can make an immediate and lasting impact. Your donation will help Colby and his family with ongoing medical costs as Dr Jacobson see us privately and Private health doesn't kick in until November 2023 due to being a pre-existing medical condition plus parking ect ($3080), as well as day-to-day living expenses, relocating cost ($4,500 approx.), accommodation for 6months ($18,720), new school fees and uniforms for big brother David and Colby ($600), medication ($5475) and loss of income as unable to work until set up down here in Sydney which ($31200).

We humbly ask you to share Colby's story with your network and consider donating, no matter how big or small. Every little bit counts. Colby and his family have a long and challenging road ahead, and they need our help now more than ever.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your compassion, generosity, and support for Colby and his family. Together, we can make a difference in their lives during this incredibly difficult time.

With heartfelt gratitude

Helen and Colby