Mooroolbark community rallies to support family of eight after son’s shock hospitalisation

An eastern suburbs community has rallied around the family of eight-year-old Cruez, after a shock diagnosis left him hospitalised and unable to eat.

Cruez Botha-Siligi has been diagnosed with influenza A induced encephalitis after a sore neck saw his parents rush him to hospital six weeks ago. Picture: Supplied.

A Mooroolbark East community has rallied to support the family of a boy left unable to walk, talk and eat by himself due to an influenza A infection.

Cruez, an eight-year-old-boy described as cheeky, healthy and happy, was diagnosed with influenza A induced encephalitis after being rushed to hospital by his parents just days after complaining of a sore neck.

First seen at Box Hill Hospital, Cruez was later transferred to the Monash Children’s Hospital, where he continues to be treated by doctors from the neurology, immunology, genetics and rehabilitation departments.

Cruez, who loves basketball and video games, hasn’t been able to play with his friends for six weeks. Picture: Supplied.

Ticking over the six week mark, Cruez’s mum Ilse Botha-Siligi hasn’t left his side.

“My husband has taken off work to look after our other five children,” she said.
“It’s been a very daunting time for Cruez, particularly because the hospital is so quiet, and he is used to being a noisy house.”

Ms Botha-Siligi said Cruez had suffered a similar bout with influenza A when he was three but he had “bounced back” after a few days.

“This time the doctors aren't sure what they’re looking for,” she said.

“We’re currently discussing other procedures and other avenues to investigate, but there isn’t a discharge date in the near future.”

Ms Botha-Siligi said Cruez had been able to continue communicating with her, the doctors and others through moving his foot, and still kept his sense of humour.

“He's still cheeky,” she said.

“He can laugh and he’s been winking at some of his favourite nurses.”

Cruez has a long way to go before he will be able to walk out hospital doors. Picture: supplied.

Cruez has also made other signs of small progress, finally being able to come off a nasal feeding tube.

“He’s been able to swallow by himself recently,” Ms Botha-Siligi said.

“I’m glad, because he was negatively reacting to the nasal tube, it was hurting him when anything was going through it.”

Ms Botha-Siligi said support staff in the hospital, had been making life a little easier for Cruez.

“The Starlight Foundation came and decorated his door and have helped give him some entertainment,” she said.

“Everyone has just been brilliant.”

Cruez’s family at home have also been overwhelmed with support after close family friend Dawn Juhlin starting an online fundraiser to help support the family.

“I’ve received private messages, parents have done grocery shopping or brought food over to the house, people are offering to have play dates with our other kids so they’re not isolated,” she said.

“I’m emotional and overwhelmed and I’m so grateful for everyone pitching in, even when they have their own struggles.”

“People I don’t even known have been donating, sending messages and prayers, it’s really amazing.”

At the time of writing, the community has raised $6530 online.

If you’d like to donate to help support Cruez and his family through his recovery journey, you can find the fundraiser here.