Help support the MacAlpine Family-Walker's Journey

Walker was born on the 2nd of May 2023 and is a twin with his sister Voilet. In-vitro the Doctors saw over a period of time that the ventricles (the fluid filled spaces within an organ) in Walker's brain over a period of time were becoming dangerously large. His mum and dad were sent for further tests in Newcastle on three separate occasions, no cause was able to be determined while in-vitro with the only option to deliver and undergo further testing after birth.

On the day Walker was born he had a rough start, during delivery Walker aspirated and required suction and resuscitation and support for a period of time in the special care nursery where he was separated from his mother and twin sister.

Walker was then given an MRI, and when the results were reviewed in Sydney; he required an urgent transfer to Sydney Children's Hospital and was airlifted by Care Flight at three days old. Unfortunately, the flight was unable to accommodate Walker's twin and father who had to make the journey by car to Sydney to reunite Violet with her mother who was breast-feeding at the time. Walker was then placed under the care of the 'Neuro Surgical Team' for further investigation.

Walker spent 3 weeks in hospital in which he was diagnosed with "Obstructional Hydrocephalus" due to a tumour on his hippocampus that was blocking the flow of spinal fluid around his brain.

Walker underwent several days of testing and investigations before making the decision to operate.

Walker underwent his first brain surgery at just an innocent 2 weeks of age. The surgery did not initially go as planned, due to the location of the tumour, resulting in a VP SHUNT being inserted to relieve the pressure in Walker's brain. It was not safe to proceed with the biopsy at this stage.

Walkers' family tried to return to normality of everyday life including both of his parents returning to work and their three younger children starting day care.

Upon further check-ups it was noticed Walkers' ventricles had started to slowly increase in size, he was admitted to hospital where he underwent multiple diagnostic tests. A plan was made by the Neuro Surgical team to increase the flow rate of Walkers shunt to the maximum setting in an attempt to avoid additional surgery.

Unfortunately, a month later it was discovered in a routine check-up that despite best efforts, the pressure and fluid had continued to increase in Walker's brain. The medical team decided he would need further surgery.

Due to the frequency of appointments required for monitoring for Walkers' condition, increased risk of infection and injury associated with traditional day care, Walkers' family was required to reduce work hours so they could resume full-time care of the three youngest children. This coupled with significant travel, accommodation and other related costs due to Walkers' needs has resulted in significant financial pressure on the family.

Walker is currently 9 months old at this current time and has had 8 medical trips to Sydney and has just completed his third admission to Sydney Childrens Hospital where he has undergone his second brain surgery.

During this procedure surgeons performed a procedure called and ETV (Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy) this creates a natural bypass for the spinal fluid to travel through reducing the reliance on his shunt which is known to be operating suboptimally. Walker now has these two interventions in place, trying to work together to resolve his excess fluid and is now recovering.

On Wednesday the 7th of February at approximately 6am, Erin (mother) and Chris (father) noticed swelling and fluid leaking from Walkers surgery site - they rushed him into Tamworth ED before being flown to Sydney Children’s Hospital. He received some IV antibiotics and another MRI that has confirmed the need for further Surgery in the days to come. This is his 9th trip to Sydney and will be his 3rd brain surgery in 9months - with the last one only just over a week ago. The family are hopeful for a good outcome and have great faith in the talented neurosurgical team - but are also heartbroken and nervous for their little man.

Family have been advised that emergency surgery may be the only outcome for Walker and at this stage is a possibility to proceed on Sunday the 11th February. Walkers and his family still have quite a road ahead with his recovery and ongoing treatment of his conditions. Walker’s family remain hopeful and really appreciate all of the medical care Walker has received thus far.

As Walker and his family navigate through this challenging time, they face not only emotional strain but also significant financial burdens.

We are humbly asking for your support during this difficult period. Your generous contributions will help cover Walker's medical expenses and the considerable accommodation and travel costs associated with receiving treatment, as the Sydney Children's Hospital is five hours away from their home.

Together, let's rally around Walker and show him that he is not alone in this fight. Your financial assistance, thoughts and positive energy will make a meaningful difference in Walker's journey toward healing and recovery.

If you are unable to contribute financially, please consider sharing Walker's story with your networks and offering your heartfelt support. Every gesture of kindness and solidarity uplifts Walker and his family during this challenging time.

We Thank you for your unwavering support and generosity,

From the friends around this beautiful family.