Grace owes survival to Royal Childrens Hospital | health

Fallon Hudson | 2nd December 2008

GRACE Druery, 3, and her mother, Leanne, share one of many wonderful moments in their family life.

MEET three-year-old Grace Druery.

Not only was she born 10-weeks prematurely, she has endured five operations and spent last Christmas in hospital. She is a survivor

To her mum Leanne, Grace is a miracle, a livewire who loves listening to Swedish pop icons ABBA.

After she was born prematurely she went into respiratory distress and suffered a bleed on her brain.

Six months later she was taken to the Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) in Brisbane after doctors found there was a blockage which didn't allow spinal fluid to flow. There she underwent neurosurgery, where a shunt was used to help remove fluid.

At the age of one Grace then had to have a valve revision, where they replaced the shunt.

Mrs Druery said there was a 67 per cent chance Grace would be physically and mentally handicapped.

She said at the end of 2007 Grace became very ill from an infection in the shunt so Grace, Mrs Druery, her husband Tony and son Max, 5, spent Christmas at the RCH.

“Even though we have had a traumatic time in the last three years, in that time we have had amazing support.

“She is an amazing little girl - she is a survivor.”

Mrs Druery said her family and, in particular, Grace would not have been able to get through these trying times if it wasn't for the support and generosity of the Royal Children's Hospital Foundation (RCHF).

“They offered so much support and coming from Mackay was daunting - but you were greeted with a smiling face,” she said.

Mrs Druery said Grace loved it when the RCHF volunteers dressed up as superheros and also the clown doctors because they made her laugh.

“Last Christmas Day Santa visited, where the Foundation organised sacks of presents for each child.

“We are very appreciative. It's not until you have had a sick child that you realise how important these foundations are,” she said. Mrs Druery encouraged Mackay residents to get behind the Mackay Kids Christmas Appeal to help the Mackay Base Hospital and Royal Children's Hospital Foundation (RCHF) by raising $50,000 for sick kids in Mackay.

If you would like to donate to the appeal you have until Friday. Mackay residents can call the Mackay Kids Christmas Appeal Hotline on 1300 757 344 or visit any Bank of Queensland branch to make a donation.

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