Peninsula toddler with rare disorder now sick with Covid
A Mount Martha mum wants people to stop ‘being lax’ about Covid after her vulnerable toddler was sent to ICU with the virus.
South East
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A Mornington Peninsula family is pleading with people to take Omicron seriously after the “milder” strain threatened the life of their toddler.
Eve Doherty, 2, spent three nights in ICU and another two day on the cardiac ward after contracting Covid at the weekend.
Her battle for breath was made all the more challenging by a rare genetic order Eve has fought since birth.
The Mount Martha girl has interstitial lung disease (chILD) and severe pulmonary hypertension (PHA).
She needs around-the-clock oxygen.
Mum Georgie Doherty said the family was vigilant about protecting Eve from Covid but feared a relaxed attitude to the virus had led to her infection.
“Omicron may be a milder variant for most, but for people like Eve, it’s like a death sentence,” she said.
“We’ve done all we can to protect her. We were among the first to roll up our sleeves and get vaccinated and are always so careful when we go out.
“But we need everyone else to be mindful to help keep Eve and other vulnerable people safe.”
The start of 2022 was meant to be a time of celebration for the family.
They welcomed their son, Jack James Doherty, on January 11.
Within two days Covid split the family, sending Eve to the Royal Children’s Hospital with her dad Shaun for support.
Even after leaving hospital with Jack Ms Doherty was not allowed to visit Eve.
And not long after returning home, she too, was diagnosed with Covid.
“I can still breastfeed but I have to do everything with a mask. I can’t kiss his little face and he can’t see my face properly,” she said.
“We had all been so looking forward to those baby milestones, first cuddles and family time.
“Even more so because we missed it with Eve. She was seriously ill from the moment she was born.”
The family was finally reunited on Wednesday when Eve was allowed to come home.
“Eve is such a fighter. She has always been one to beat the odds.
“We’re just praying she doesn’t get Covid again,” Ms Doherty said.