Neil and Elizabeth have 2 children- Max (3) and their little miracle Marley (15 months). Here's why...
On 23/04/12, Marley was born at 36 weeks gestation, with a life threatening condition called Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH).
This condition causes a defect in the diaphragm, allowing the abdominal organs to enter the chest and take up precious space the lungs need to grow and develop properly. It effects 1 in 2,500 live born babies and we lovingly refer to them as 'cherubs' because approximately 50% do not survive (this depends on the type of hernia and organs involved). The cause for CDH is not yet known and the outcome of any baby cannot be predicted.
Marley's hernia occurred on the right side, which only affects 10% of cases. Due to Marley having a right sided hernia, being born at 36 weeks and the number of organs that had migrated into her chest, her medical professionals gave her survival rate as 10-20%.
Marley spent 2 months in the NICU at Monash Medical Centre, Clayton and 1 month in the Special Care Nursery, totaling 93 days, before she was allowed to go home.
Marley was intubated to a mechanical ventilator for approximately 5 weeks, on Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) for 1 week, high flow nasal prong oxygen for 3 weeks and she still remains on low flow nasal prong oxygen at home.
Marley's lungs are severely under developed and as a result she suffers from cardiac problems.
Marley has a long list of medical professionals involved in her treatment with the hope that she will eventually be weaned off the oxygen and blood pressure medication that she is on.
Even though Marley has had a tough start to life, it is apparent to everyone who meets her that she is a fighter! She is a happy girl and will conquer any challenge she sets herself.
Marley and her family take each day one step at a time and although this journey has been an emotional roller coaster, they would not change anything for the world, because Marley truly is a miracle!
Elizabeth and Neil are hosting this event in an attempt to raise awareness for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia. By raising awareness they hope to raise funds to save babies that are born with CDH. They also want to give back to an organisation that has given them so much.
On 23/04/12, Marley was born at 36 weeks gestation, with a life threatening condition called Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH).
This condition causes a defect in the diaphragm, allowing the abdominal organs to enter the chest and take up precious space the lungs need to grow and develop properly. It effects 1 in 2,500 live born babies and we lovingly refer to them as 'cherubs' because approximately 50% do not survive (this depends on the type of hernia and organs involved). The cause for CDH is not yet known and the outcome of any baby cannot be predicted.
Marley's hernia occurred on the right side, which only affects 10% of cases. Due to Marley having a right sided hernia, being born at 36 weeks and the number of organs that had migrated into her chest, her medical professionals gave her survival rate as 10-20%.
Marley spent 2 months in the NICU at Monash Medical Centre, Clayton and 1 month in the Special Care Nursery, totaling 93 days, before she was allowed to go home.
Marley was intubated to a mechanical ventilator for approximately 5 weeks, on Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) for 1 week, high flow nasal prong oxygen for 3 weeks and she still remains on low flow nasal prong oxygen at home.
Marley's lungs are severely under developed and as a result she suffers from cardiac problems.
Marley has a long list of medical professionals involved in her treatment with the hope that she will eventually be weaned off the oxygen and blood pressure medication that she is on.
Even though Marley has had a tough start to life, it is apparent to everyone who meets her that she is a fighter! She is a happy girl and will conquer any challenge she sets herself.
Marley and her family take each day one step at a time and although this journey has been an emotional roller coaster, they would not change anything for the world, because Marley truly is a miracle!
Elizabeth and Neil are hosting this event in an attempt to raise awareness for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia. By raising awareness they hope to raise funds to save babies that are born with CDH. They also want to give back to an organisation that has given them so much.