Support JJ, Tilly & Philippa through the journey ahead

On the night of the 28th of December, JJ rushed Tilly at 38 weeks pregnant into Coonamble hospital with severe upper back pain. Shortly after arriving at the hospital, Tilly had lost all feeling from her waist down.

Tilly was quickly sent to Dubbo Base Hospital for an MRI which revealed bleeding on her spine. The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) was called and Tilly was flown from Dubbo to Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney. Immediately, doctors performed an emergency cesarean to safely deliver Philippa, and within the same surgery, she was flipped over to undergo spinal decompression surgery. During the procedure, they discovered the bleeding extended from Tilly’s T1 to T8 vertebrae, which was roughly a 30cm incision.

Multiple tests have been conducted since the initial surgery, but no one has seen a case like this before, and are unsure of what caused this abnormal bleeding to begin with.

This week, Til was moved from the ICU ward into the Neuro ward. She has started intensive physical therapy, learning to sit upright, and build strength in her upper body again. At this stage she remains without feeling from her waist down, so is learning to use a wheelchair.

The road to recovery still remains unclear, and will be a long, challenging journey ahead for the new family. Doctors estimate that Tilly will be in the Royal North Shore Hospital for at least three months, followed by rehab at Ryde Hospital for anywhere from 3 to 6 months.

Tilly’s partner, JJ, has been by her side the whole way. JJ is new to parenting life and is caring for little Pip full-time while also remaining in the hospital with Tilly. They are soon going to be facing financial challenges like medical expenses and requirements, accommodation for JJ while Tilly is in rehab as Pip needs full-time care, ongoing monthly bills, travel expenses for family, and especially the financial gap created by JJ being unable to work.

That’s where you come in. Tilly has a long and unclear journey of recovery ahead of her, but is one of the toughest people we know. We are asking for your help to support JJ, Tilly & Philippa during this incredibly challenging time. Every donation will help relieve the financial pressure on our new favourite family, and we are deeply grateful for your generosity and support.

If you are also able to assist in other ways, such as with accommodation in Sydney, please get in touch with one of Tilly or JJ’s family members or make a note on your donation.

Thank you for your kindness, love, and support.