Soon after little Nikita was born, Cassandra noticed that she appeared jaundiced and was not putting on weight. After a visit to the paediatrician, Nikita was flown by Flying Doctors from Cairns to RCH and diagnosed with biliary atresia -- a rare liver disease.
At 64 days old, Nikita had surgery. She has had complications since then, and she and Cassandra have regularly flown up and down from their home in Far North Queensland to the RCH.
In April this year Nikita suffered a severe bowel obstruction and was in the RCH for five weeks.
In July Nikita returned to RCH for surgery on dilated blood vessels in the oesophagus and concerns for veins in her stomach. This meant an almost 18-week stay at RCH for Nikita and her family.
“At the end of the day, she will need a liver transplant,” said Russell, Nikita’s father.
“All the children miss their family, friends, and their farm when we come down for weeks at a time for Nikita’s treatment,” said Cassandra.
“And, of course, there is the constant worry about Nikita.
“She has her own fears and concerns, but she teaches other kids about her condition and is a little advocate for sick kids.”
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