In Memory - Joanne and Stewart's Story

Read more
In Memory
Joanne and Stewart's Story
Flowers for Charity
All Pages

Joanne and Stewart’s Story

My husband Stewart and I found out that our baby had CDH (Diaphragmatic Hernia) at our 21 week scan. In simple terms this meant that our baby’s diaphragm was not developing properly and would cause serious internal complications as he developed. We were referred to Brisbane for ongoing specialist care and it was at this stage that I began to realise just how serious our situation was.

We would have done anything possible for our baby to survive and we only wanted the best care – but all this travel to Brisbane was difficult – because our son Jarred had to stay at home. We really missed him and it was difficult for us to be so far away from him, let alone explain that the baby in Mummy’s tummy was sick - he was virtually still a baby himself. He was devastated because he really wanted a little brother or sister.

Jake was born at 8.35 in the evening and he did give out a cry, a sound I doubt I’ll ever forget. He was immediately taken to Intensive Care. We went to see him, and he was perfect, just so beautiful – just like his big brother. It was probably the hardest time of our lives, because we were saying hello, knowing that we would soon be saying goodbye.

He did open his eyes briefly, but it was so brief. I believe that he knew we were there loving him. He passed away at 11.35pm.

We will never forget the time we spent with him – it was so sad, yet so special. It is just not fair that a little baby, who looks so perfect on the outside, can be so unwell on the inside and be taken from his parents so soon.

From our first visit to see the doctor we were shown such wonderful care and expertise, and we appreciate all of the fantastic staff and facilities that the hospital has to offer. The doctors, midwives, nurses, and staff in Intensive Care were truly amazing. Stewart and I decided to make regular donations to the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation to honour the life of our son. We feel very passionate about donating In Memory of Jake, because it was the most practical way we could think of to help other sick kids and their families.

Meet Jack

To see Jack playing with his younger brother Luke, you’d never imagine he has a chronic, life-threatening disease.

Donate