Riley Brennan’s lungs are “probably the best they’ve ever been” in his young life and his mother credits it to a hospital that specialises in treating seriously ill children.
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The eight-year-old who has cystic fibrosis (CF) frequently travels from Dubbo to the Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
Dubbo teen Teagan Ferguson also spent 12 months at the paediatric centre as she battled leukaemia.
On Thursday the young people who have come so far with the care of the hospital at Westmead helped launch its annual Bandaged Bear Appeal to raise vital funds for equipment, research and other services.
Alongside them was country music star Adam Brand, who urged support of the bid to raise $1 million this month for the hospital.
There was joy on the faces of Teagan, Riley and his little brother Herbie as they fed giraffes at Taronga Western Plains Zoo at the launch with Bandaged Bear.
Marijka Brennan takes son Riley to Westmead to an outpatient clinic every three months, as well as about two inpatient stays a year, each one a fortnight long.
She praised the care they had found at the hospital for the past almost five years, since moving to the Orana region from England.
“He’s doing really well, his lungs are probably the best they’ve ever been and I totally put that down to the CF team at the hospital,” Ms Brennan said.
A Dubbo Public School student, Riley’s lung function has improved and his mother is in no doubts it’s because of the “excellent treatment” he receives, complemented by the work they do at home.
The hospital offered more than medical care and helped the whole family.
“They’re great, and the kids can access schooling down there, which is fantastic, because Herbie often comes with his brother as well, and he goes to the school there as well, which he really enjoys,” Ms Brennan said.
In 2015, St John’s College student Teagan was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
She and mum Sue spent 12 months at the Children’s Hospital as Teagan underwent chemotherapy, and then a bone marrow transplant.
Back at school now, a moment for rejoicing is approaching.
“This year in July will be my second year free of cancer,” Teagan said.
Brand treated the families to a performance of his new single and urged people to support the appeal.
He said from his own nephew’s experience, he knew only too well the journey that started when kids got sick.
“What I want to say to our community of country people is we’ve got such a great history of rolling our sleeves up and getting in there and helping… is to get on board with this Bandage Bear Appeal,” he said.
“Westmead Children’s Hospital does such a fantastic job looking after our country kids when they need it most.
“Come on board with us.”
Faye Wheeler
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
