Nate is a happy and chatty six year old who enjoys playing with his three siblings. He enjoys riding his bike, reading books and has a fascination with vehicles.
Nate has a rare condition known as pulmonary lymphangiectasia. Credit: Supplied by family
When Nate’s mum Kellie was 20 weeks pregnant she found out he had a rare condition known as pulmonary lymphangiectasia, which is a build up of fluid in his lungs.
She describes what she felt at the time as, “scared, overwhelmed and completely uncertain of what the outcome might be. Nate’s condition was so rare we didn’t really have anyone we could talk to and what to expect.”
Nate spent the first nine months of his life in hospital. Credit: Supplied by family
Nate spent the first nine months of his life in hospital. The first two months he was on life support and very unstable. He was having complications and it was difficult to determine a diagnosis and treatment.
It was a very challenging and scary time for Nate’s parents Kellie and Dean while they also attended their two older children. Nate can have up to ten hours of therapy and appointments per week.
The first two months of his life were spent on life support. Credit: Supplied by family
Kellie is his full time carer and says, “We are lucky to access multiple support and therapies through many Telethon beneficiaries”. The beneficiaries include Perth Children’s Hospital, Kalparrin, Healthy Strides Foundation, Heart Kids.
This team of specialists has given Kellie and her family the emotional support and knowledge on “how to navigate our journey with a child that is medically fragile and has a disability.”
Funds raised through Telethon will help fund life-changing research, support services and and care to give kids like Nate a fighting chance.
You can donate today at telethon7.com/donate