Critically-ill bub overcomes odds after 250km life-or-death flight

Specialist doctors and medics have been praised for saving another young life after a critically ill newborn was urgently flown from her home.

Little Luna with parents Cameron Staib and La Toya Redman and big brother Forest during her lifesaving visit to hospital. Pictures: Contributed

The quick actions of medical staff and a lifesaving emergency flight helped save a Queensland newborn battling a rare and severe genetic disorder.

Luna Staib was just 48 hours old when doctors at Hervey Bay Hospital realised her condition was rapidly deteriorating, despite being born at full term.

Without hesitation, they ordered an urgent flight to Mater Mothers’ Hospital in South Brisbane, where specialists at the Neonatal Critical Care Unit were ready to provide the lifesaving treatment she desperately needed.

Parents La Toya Redman and Cameron Staib were forced to drive more than 250km from their Fraser Coast home to rushed to be by their daughter’s side, fearing they might lose her before they arrived.

A lifesaving flight from Hervey Bay to Brisbane helped save little Luna’s life. Picture: Contributed

“When Luna was born, she was floppy and not breathing – she didn’t even cry,” Ms Redman said.

“So much was going through my mind – I knew she was fighting for her life, and I wanted desperately to be by her side.”

Upon arrival at Mater, doctors discovered she had two holes in her heart and required immediate breathing support.

Further genetic testing found she had Kleefstra syndrome, an exceptionally rare disorder affecting one in 200,000 births worldwide.

Kleefstra syndrome is caused by the mutation or deletion of the EHMT1 gene and can lead to severe medical complications, including hypotonia or low-muscle tone, heart defects, lung issues, seizures, and vision or hearing impairments.

“Luna was found to be affected by all of these, making her one of the most severe cases,” Ms Redman said.

The multidisciplinary team at Mater’s NCCU provided around-the-clock specialist care, offering the little fighter the best possible chance of survival.

Over the next five weeks, they closely monitored her condition, stabilising her fragile health before she was transferred to the Queensland Children’s Hospital for heart surgery.

Luna with mum La Toya. Picture: Contributed

Ms Redman, who also has a three-year-old son, Forest, said the unwavering support from Mater’s medical team helped her family navigate the terrifying ordeal.

“I had really bad anxiety and at times didn’t know if she would make it,” she said.

“The medical team helped put my mind at ease by being so caring and supportive of our whole family, keeping us informed about her condition and providing exceptional care.”

Now two years old, Luna continues to face significant health challenges and remains on oxygen and is tube-fed, but her proud mum said she was exceeding all expectations.

“Luna is sitting unassisted, something we thought might not happen for a long time,” Ms Redman said.

“She has a long road ahead, but we are with her every step of the way.”

Each year, more than 1700 seriously ill and premature babies rely on Mater’s Neonatal Critical Care Unit for lifesaving treatment.

Ms Redman is urging the community to support this year’s Nine Telethon, on April 26, to help other vulnerable Queensland newborns receive the same critical care as Luna.