Mahony Family lose baby then home ruined in flood

Mahony family loses 1 month old baby, 3 weeks later loses belongings in QLD floods.

Update: firstly thank you so much to everyone who has donated. The Mahony’s are so grateful. After discussions and further realised costs I have decided to increase the goal. Updated list of where donations will go at bottom of page. 

 

My name is Kim, and I am writing this to support my sister Ashleigh, brother-in-law Lonni and niece Tully after losing their infant son, Sidney, and now most of their belongings in the recent QLD floods.

 

On February 9th, Ashleigh and Lonni Mahony devastatingly had to say goodbye to their 6-week-old son, Sidney, who was born with one of the most severe forms of heart defect (hypoplastic left heart). 18 days later, at 4am on Sunday, they were forced to pack their 17-month-old daughter - Tully, dogs and what they could grab from their home, prioritising Sidney’s sentimental items, including his ashes and evacuate before they became stranded. When they returned the following Wednesday March 2nd, all that was salvageable from inside could fit inside their Corolla Hatchback.

 

Sidney was born on December 29th 2021, Ashleigh and Lonni were first made aware of a heart condition at their 13 week antenatal scan, his diagnosis of HLHS was then confirmed at the 16 week scan. Ashleigh and Lonni immediately began to work towards ensuring their son had the best chance possible. They had just relocated from Brisbane to Gold Coast but had to move back again to be close to Queensland Children’s Hospital, as Sidney was expected to be there for at least the first 6 months of his life. QCH is the only hospital in QLD to offer paediatric cardiac surgery. Lonni was able to use his inheritance from his late father to put toward a deposit on a house and essentials to make a home for Tully and Sidney when he was able to come home.

 

But Sidney never came home. He had his first open heart surgery at just 6 days old, complications arose but he made it through and began to work toward milestones. The first milestone for Sid was coming off the ECMO life support 17 days after his first surgery, and this was huge for the Mahony family. They knew they were a long way from being out of the woods but couldn’t help but have hope; the first surgery was considered the highest risk of the 3 surgeries he would receive before his 4th birthday and he had made it through. Two weeks later, surgeons closed Sidney’s chest as he was coping well. The next day, on his one-month birthday and after showing some signs of improvement, Sidney suddenly went into cardiac arrest as his mother sat by his side. The medical staff rushed to get him back onto life support while performing CPR. Within days, Sidney began to have significant seizures and his right ventricle began to fail (only pumping part of his heart). Ashleigh and Lonni knew they were going to lose their baby boy.

 

On Wednesday February 9th, surrounded by loved ones, Sidney passed away as his mother was able to hold him for the first time since he was 2 days old, with his father by their side.

 

When Ashleigh, Lonni and Tully returned home after weeks in Ronald Mcdonald House, they thought they might be able to begin working toward rebuilding a new normal, they now are faced with more loss, as near everything they own has been destroyed along with their home. They do not know when they will be able to return. In the rush to secure a home in time for Sidney’s arrival and the stress that comes with having a child born with complex needs, they had believed that had all were insurances covered, but learned only when it was too late that they are not covered for home contents insurance.

 

Donations will go towards:

 

• Recuperating funeral costs

• Clothing, toys and books for Tully

• Cot & storage for Tully

• Shoes and some clothing for Ashleigh and Lonni

• Bed, mattress & bedding

• Couch and tables

• Refridgerator & whiteware

• Cooking ware, crockery and appliances

• Air conditioning units
• Lawnmower and tools 
• Things not covered by house insurance 
• Any donations not used will be donated to HeartKids Australia