Let’s all support Cruez and his beautiful family.

My name is Dawn Juhlin. I would like to share Cruez’s journey with you as he holds a very special place in my heart

A few days before King’s birthday weekend, Cruez complained about a sore neck. His parents didn’t think too much of it and gave Cruez a heat pack which relieved the pain. A few days later, his parents Martin and Ilse presented at Boxhill Hospital Emergency Department as Cruez was unable to walk, talk or swallow. He was transferred to Monash Children’s Hospital on the same day (June 9th, 2024) where he was admitted to ICU and diagnosed with Influenza A induced encephalitis with encephalopathy. This means that the flu virus went to his brain and this lead to swelling of the whole brain and inflammation of the central and peripheral nervous system. This condition is life-threatening because it leads to seizures, confusion, hallucination, weakness and loss of sensation. Currently, his mother Ilse, has been at his side 24/7 since his admission because he isn’t able to walk, use his arms or talk. He is being fed with a nasal gastric tube because he isn’t able to swallow and has poor neck control.

Currently, Cruez is being administered lots of pain medication to control his neuropathic pain; anti-seizure medication to prevent any seizures/ further damage to the brain and some more medication as he becomes extremely distressed and anxious about being in an unfamiliar, quiet environment and not being able to understand his environment (being used to the hustle and bustle of a busy household). His room needs to be kept dim and very low stimulus to encourage rest and sleep, to help the brain recover. Due to this, NO visitors are allowed besides his siblings who visit every 3-4days.

Doctors from the Neurology, Immunology, Genetics and Rehab teams are baffled as to why Cruez’s recovery is this slow and have prepared the family for a LONG recovery. Cruez had a similar medical episode when he was 3.5yrs old however recovered after 5 days. It has almost been 6 weeks and the doctors said the damage “appears” to be reversible. Only time will tell.

Before his hospital admission, Cruez was a healthy, active and funny 8yr old boy who played basketball for his local club Maroondah Magic; enjoyed pranking his 5 siblings, loved by his school friends and peers at Mooroolbark East Primary and playing Fifa and Fortnite on the Ps4. Now, he is confined to the hospital bed and uses a special wheelchair to go for short walks with lots of mechanical assistance.

Cruez’s dad Martin (non-biological) has had to stop working full-time and taken on the role as fulltime stay-at-home-dad, taking over Ilse’s role of the home duties /responsibilities, doing school drop-offs and pick-ups, ensuring Cruez’s siblings continue their normal routines and sports ; not to mention taking care of the younger two siblings: Losalio 3yrs old and Lerato (16 months). Martin is also Cruez’s basketball coach and has continued in this role. Ilse was team manager for both Thomaz’s and Cruez’s teams however resigned from that role when Cruez was admitted to hospital.

The funds collected will go towards the family to help keep food on the table, pay bills and cover any unforeseen expenses as Martin is on unpaid leave from work, until Cruez returns home. I am trying to help raise money for a beautiful, loving family that are going through one of the toughest times possible for any parent.