Zak's Mummy and Daddy Gemma and Josh

Gemma and Josh found out that they were unexpectedly expecting their 6th child! Everything was smooth sailing until 24 weeks, where Gemma was admitted to KEMH twice for APH’s (antepartum haemorrhage) - unfortunately this happened on Mothers day 14th May 2023.

Whilst being monitored a code blue medical emergency happened which meant unfortunately Josh was not able to be with her when Zak was brought into the world, 15 weeks early. Gemma had to have a category 1 classical Cesarean section. .

Zak was born 17/05/23 at 0905 weighing a teeny but mighty 980gms.

She was up with such a large incision vertically down her stomach to care and be with Zak, pumping breast milk and doing all she can, whilst Josh has been a human yoyo trying to support and love his family at home and hospital.

To date Zac has a diagnosis of:

- Chronic lung disease

- Seizure like activity

- Hyaline membrane disease

- Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

- Pulmonary bleeding

- Hydrocephalus

- Grade IV Brain bleed (Intraventricular Haemorrhage)

There is more but Gemma was too tired to add to the list.

The following interventions are keeping him alive

- High Frequency Jet Ventilation (HFJV)

- TPN feeding via a long line

- Having continuous feeds of donor breast milk

- Multiple cannulas

- Blood transfusions

- Suctioning and regular repositioning

Zak remains too unwell to leave his little incubator and ventilator. The plan is to feed and grow him and extubate him in a number of weeks and see if he tolerates it. Plan will be surgical intervention to put a VP shunt / repair his heart when his old enough & strong enough. It is than likely he will be in hospital for the next 15weeks.

Gem was discharged Thu night and readmitted Friday due to mastitis / breast abscess. On IV antibiotics and still having lots of pain from the classical c section she had to have done, she’s having daily apts with Physio & the LC.

Gemma was still working up until mother's day and was planing to work until full term . Gem being casual means no income coming in, same story with Josh who runs his own business.

Let's give Josh one less stressor as he runs up and down the freeway 45mins/1hour to be with Gemma and Zack or home to their older children. Reality has hit Gem as she has been off work for last 2 weeks no income coming in and the bills are still outgoing, as she tries to organise life from her hospital bed. I truly hope this helps her heal and not worry about finances.

I'm hoping to support this phenomenal duo who both work full-time supporting their family and community. Gemma is an extraordinary Nurse out healing our community making it a better place. Please help me in showing them community, support, love and take away the financial burden so they can focus on their family and health.

Welcome to the world little Zak keep fighting and growing so your amazing mummy and daddy can take you home to your siblings, hopefully your community can take care of the adult stuff for them ❤️

Updated 12/06/2023

Gem and Josh are overwhelmed with the initial amount raised- humbled an grateful are this dynamic duo that make our community richer. however the real reality of the journey has come to light and the new goal reflects the need to support them and potentially sort a eight seater vehicle.