Help Tobias’ Family while he battles Meningococcal

My gorgeous 5 month old nephew Tobias has been airlifted from Cairns Hospital to Townsville Hospital after being rushed to the Emergency Department from his home North of Cairns showing severe signs of Meningococcal septicaemia.

Things went downhill quickly so my sister, Katie, and her partner, Steven, (parents) rushed him to the ED at Cairns Hospital where they have begun treatment and testing for Meningococcal septicaemia. They are now in Townsville awaiting blood test results due back today for a conclusive Meningococcal septicaemia diagnosis. Tobias has been sedated to help his fragile and purple body cope with the strenuous work of fighting against this bacterial infection. Medical staff have Tobias on heavy doses of antibiotics & other medications, and have advised the coma is necessary in order for his little body to cope with everything going on.

I will put updates on here as soon as I can and once Katie & Steven receive the test results to conclude the diagnosis. The medical team have advised baby Tobias has very few outcomes available for the time being.. it’s either life support being switched off or loss of limbs and brain function if he does pull through.

The fundraising goal amount has been based on two weeks worth of home & travel expenses, including care for their three other children who have been left with a family friend in Cairns while Katie & Steven stay with Tobias in Townsville hospital. With loss of income, rent & utilities, food, accommodation for Katie & Steven, general living away from home expenses, and travel costs between home & the hospital, we are calling on the community to help Katie & Steven get through this difficult time.

****Edit to add: the amount has been adjusted due to Tobias’ condition. He will need ongoing care in Townsville (or potentially Brisbane) hospital for at least a few months away from the family’s home as unfortunately Cairns doesn’t have the resources to assist in his recovery.****

Meningococcal disease is an uncommon but serious bacterial infection cause by meningococcal bacteria.

It usually takes the form of a blood infection (septicaemia) or infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).

Any amount towards the goal amount is going to help. Even if you can spare your daily takeaway coffee allowance.

I am aware that Katie and Steven haven’t had the chance to update all family and friends on the situation so I kindly request that you please let them update you on their own accord so they aren’t flooded with messages and calls. I will post as many updates as I possibly can on here if you’d like to check back regularly. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.