Maddy Lassig-Hodgetts and husband Damien face new health battles after loss of twin boy
After losing one of their twins shortly after birth, a young Queensland couple are dealing with their own devastating health news.
Still reeling from the loss of their baby son, a Townsville family have been hit with another cruel and devastating blow.
After the loss of one of their twins, Maddy Lassig-Hodgetts and her husband Damien Hodgetts are now undergoing their own health battles, whilst raising their surviving son George.
To help ease the burden Ms Lassig-Hodgetts’s sister Bianca Lassig-Smith began a GoFundMe, which has soared to raise $20,000 in just a few days.
She said she was blown away by the community support.
“You hope that people are going to care and want to help, but definitely didn’t expect the response we’ve gotten,” Ms Lassig-Smith said.
“The kindness and support we have been shown is nothing short of amazing. Every dollar will make a profound different in their little family’s life.”
She said the initial goal for the fundraised was $2000, with that target blown past in under a week.
Two years ago the couple received the news they were pregnant with twin boys.
Due to pregnancy complications Ms Lassig-Hodgetts had to stop working in her role as provisional psychologist when she was 18 weeks pregnant and gave birth extremely prematurely at just 22 weeks and 6 days.
Both tiny boys, George and Jude, survived birth but after five weeks in the NICU, baby Jude tragically passed away.
Dealing with unimaginable grief and loss of income, the couple was forced to move in with parents to stay afloat while paying for Jude’s funeral.
Due to their son George’s complex medical needs, including a dependence on oxygen, Ms Lassig-Hodgetts was unable to return to work to care for him at home.
Just as they began trying to find their feet, their ordeal took another devastating turn.
Ms Lassig-Hodgetts recently underwent major brain surgery and has since been diagnosed with an extensive deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in her pelvis and a rare vascular condition requiring further operations.
The surgery has left her unable to drive for at least six months and struggling with mobility in their multi-level rental home.
When the couple approached their real estate agent to explain the medical circumstances and asked for an exit from their tenancy, they claim they were told they must formally break the lease, footing the bill for re-letting fees and continuing to pay rent on the empty property until a new tenant is found.
The demand leaves them facing an impossible choice of remaining in a home that poses a risk to his wife’s recovery, or pay rent on two properties.
Ms Lassiq-Hodgetts said her twin boys taught her and husband how to be brave in the face of hardship.
“We gained resilience going through the world of NICU with them, it taught us so much. I also believe that navigating through extreme pain and challenging times relies on hope, and when that hope is faltering, we carry faith that good days can arise from even the darkest times,” she said.
“Losing our beloved son Jude was the most heart-breaking day of our life, yet he remains a pivotal anchor for our family. Of course, we also owe a huge thank you to my family who have guided us through some of the really tough times, when it felt too hard for us, they held us up.”
Adding to their challenges, Mr Hodgetts is now under the care of a neurosurgical team in Brisbane after being diagnosed with a tumour on his skull behind his eye, with specialists are still working to determine if the growth will impact his vision or neurological function.
“I am currently still under the care of the neurosurgical and vascular team at the Townsville University Hospital and will continue to undergo reviews on the best next steps for my medical care,” Ms Lassig-Hodgetts said.
“Damien is in a similar position, with continued monitoring and discussions with the Royal Brisbane and Women’s hospital regarding his potential future treatment.”
She said little George is continuing his regulat therapy apopintments and check-ups with specialists.
“George is an incredible example to us, though he was born far too soon, he has turned into a joyful and determined little soul – always eager to explore, laugh and take on new challenges, and that deeply encourages us,” Ms Lassig-Hodgetts said.
“What he may have lacked in size at birth he has made up for, with giggles, boundless curiosity, and a heart that loves the world just a little louder.”
To donate to the GoFund Me visit the page here.
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Originally published as Maddy Lassig-Hodgetts and husband Damien face new health battles after loss of twin boy
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