Audrey all smiles after life-changing brain surgery
LITTLE Audrey Wickstead has spent most of her life at the Royal Children’s Hospital, but she is looking forward to a breather as she recovers from brain surgery.
Good Friday Appeal
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AUDREY Wickstead has spent most of her life at the Royal Children’s Hospital, but she is looking forward to a breather as she recovers from brain surgery.
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The two-year-old was diagnosed with the rare genetic disease tuberous sclerosis, which causes benign tumours to grow in the brain and other organs and has caused seizures for Audrey.
This month she underwent surgery in which some of the tumours were removed from her brain in an attempt to quash the epileptic electrical storms.
“The hospital has been quite amazing,” said Audrey’s dad, Matt Wickstead. “It’s been two years of pretty intense monitoring, with weekly appointments, but they felt they couldn’t monitor any longer and they had to go in.
“They’ve given her the opportunity to develop and grow.”
Meanwhile, the face of the Good Friday Appeal four-year-old Arielle, who was kept alive on an artificial heart for five months until she received a heart transplant at the RCH, met the CFA members who will be rattling their tins tomorrow to support children like her.
The CFA has raised more than $28 million for the appeal since 1951.
Hundreds of fundraising events will be held around the state on Friday — from the annual San Remo fishing competition and St Leonards’ golf day, to pick-apart-car-parts event in Kilsyth and hot rod show in Berwick — all collecting funds for the Good Friday Appeal.
Headlining the day is the Kids Day Out at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, featuring the Teddy Bear Hospital, rides, games, sports and activities from 10am-5pm.
The Henley and Villawood Properties’ charity home will be auctioned at 2pm in Waratah, Mickleham.
The Kick for the Kids match between North Melbourne and St Kilda at Etihad Stadium kicks off at 4.20pm. A portion of ticket sales will go towards the appeal and family activities at the ground.
For details on events or to donate go to goodfridayappeal.com.au
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