Community rallies to support Bacchus Marsh family after beloved boy is put in induced coma
A community in Victoria’s northwest has rallied around the family of a local boy whose battle with a flu left him in an induced coma.
North West
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The Bacchus Marsh community is rallying to support the family of a boy left in an induced coma after a bout with the flu turned nasty.
Harper Button had been run down with a flu infection, before falling unconscious in bed on July 6.
Paramedics rushed to Harper’s aid, attending him for two hours before taking him to the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Harper, who would normally enjoy the lights and sirens of an ambulance, remained unresponsive throughout the journey.
He was sedated upon arrival and later put into an induced coma.
Family friend Abbie Light revealed Harper’s condition has improved, with his breathing tube able to be removed.
“We are hopeful he is on the mend,” Ms Light said.
Despite the good news, Harper still has a long way to go.
“He is facing other challenges, including infections from extreme bed sores and delirium from the medication,” Ms Light said.
“He is also suffering from the isolation of being in the hospital.”
Ms Light said Harper’s parents – Sarah and Trent – had not left his side since he had been taken into the Royal Children’s, leaving them unable to work as they tend to their son.
Ms Light said the support of the Bacchus Marsh community had been “wonderful”.
“It’s a true testament to what makes our community special,” she said.
Ms Light began an online fundraiser to help support Harper and his parents during his treatment, raising more than $20,000 in less than a week.
At the time of writing, the Bacchus Marsh community had raised $23,948.
Ms Light said “Everyone knows Harper”.
“He’s the kid who enriches your life with the joy and happiness he brings into the world by simply being present,” she said.
“Everyone knows him, he is loved and cherished by the community.”
If you’d like to donate to help support Harper and his family, you can find the online fundraiser here.
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