Bundaberg mother Jolene Pointon launches GoFundMe for sick baby Rome

The single mother of a chronically ill baby boy says she had no choice but to take him out of Queensland’s public health system after it failed to help her son, and now had to find the money to get him treated in the private sector.

Jolene Pointon is seeking financial support to cover medical expenses for her one-year-old son, Rome, as he battles ongoing health issues.

The mother of a chronically ill baby boy has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the cost of his medical treatment after she says she was repeatedly let down by the public health system in Queensland and had no option but to go private.

Single mum Jolene Pointon says she has cried, begged “and done everything in between” to try to get her 12-month-old son Rome’s health issues resolved.

She launched a GoFundMe campaign to help fund Rome’s bronchoscopy, scheduled for February 13 at the Mater Hospital in Brisbane under the care of respiratory specialist Dr Scott Burgess.
The procedure aims to investigate the cause of his persistent cough, which has led to frequent vomiting, breathing difficulties, and suspected underlying conditions, including tracheomalacia.

Ms Pointon said she has faced repeated setbacks in the public health system, leading her to seek private medical care to ensure Rome received the treatment he needed.
“Rome nearly every single night is choking on his vomit in his sleep,” she said.

“I was forced to make the decision to go privately to ensure Rome was seen in a timely manner and this issue gets resolved without a major incident.”

She said Rome’s symptoms started when he was just weeks old and had progressively worsened.

Jolene Pointon is seeking financial support to cover medical expenses for her one-year-old son, Rome, as he battles ongoing health issues.

“He has had a chronic cough since the end of July 2023 which has caused him to cough until he vomits regularly, it’s caused issues with him going to daycare and him having to have multiple days off at current 25 days off which are also days I have had to take off work to care for him,” she said.

Rome has struggled with a severe cough for six months, undergoing multiple rounds of antibiotics and medical investigations.
“He was a newborn baby having his first hospital visit at just two weeks old for changing colour.”
His condition has resulted in frequent hospital visits, choking episodes in his sleep, and concerns over possible seizures.

Jolene Pointon is seeking financial support to cover medical expenses for her one-year-old son, Rome, as he battles ongoing health issues.

Ms Pointon said she had spent months trying to get Rome the help he needed, but that she had been repeatedly let down by the public health system, with delay after delay in the public system.
“I have cried, I have begged, and done everything in between to try to get them to do something to help.”

Since making the decision to go through the private system instead, the financial burden has been overwhelming, with out-of-pocket expenses, cost of the procedure, hospital fees, anaesthetist costs, travel, and accommodation.

She said she had already used all her savings and had no other option but to ask for help.

“I understand times are extremely tough for everyone, and I appreciate everyone’s kind words and support,” she said.
“He has been through the wringer but never fails to smile afterwards and absolutely loves life.
“He never lets anything get in his way.”

Jolene Pointon is seeking financial support to cover medical expenses for her one-year-old son, Rome, as he battles ongoing health issues.

Despite securing accommodation at Ronald McDonald House in Herston, the costs of Rome’s care continue to add up, with potential additional expenses if complications arise.

Ms Pointon said that while she was scared for the upcoming procedure, she remained hopeful it would provide the answers Rome desperately needs.
“He deserves absolutely nothing but the best and I won’t stop until he gets it.”
A Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service Spokesperson said the best way to address Ms Pointon’s concerns would be for her to address the hospital with her feedback.

“We are always willing to engage directly with patients and family to address feedback about care,” they said.

The spokesperson said Rome had been referred to a specialist clinic and was waiting within clinically recommended times however, did not specify what that wait time was.

Originally published as Bundaberg mother Jolene Pointon launches GoFundMe for sick baby Rome