The below story was sent to us by Sophie’s Mum, Amanda. We would like to thank them both for sharing so beautifully.
Amanda, Sophie and Margaret
Sophie became unwell in Brisbane while she was away with her school working with the homeless. We had attended Ballina Hospital twice, and then on Thursday morning I took Sophie back again, where things escalated very quickly.
She was placed into an induced coma and rushed to Tweed Hospital to meet the ECMO team from GCUH, as she would not have made it all the way to the Gold Coast. We were told that ECMO was her only chance of survival, and even then, the chances were slim. Sophie suffered a cardiac arrest at Tweed, and they rushed to get her onto the machine. We were able to see her briefly to give her a kiss while they worked desperately to stabilise her.
We rushed home to Ballina to pack some clothes and then headed to GCUH. The ICU social worker put us in contact with Margaret, who was trying to organise emergency accommodation for us. We spent the first two nights sleeping on the floor in ICU while Sophie fought for her life. Her lungs were a complete whiteout, and she was going into organ failure.
Margaret was able to organise accommodation just 10 minutes from the hospital. It was the most beautiful unit — it had everything we needed. There was no way I could have driven 1 hour and 45 minutes home every day. I needed to be by Sophie’s side as she fought for her life. I was called into the hospital several times during the night, never knowing if Sophie was going to pull through.
I honestly don’t know what I would have done without that accommodation — just having a shower and somewhere to sleep after spending 14-hour days at the hospital meant everything.
Sophie fought hard for three months, overcoming so much. She suffered another cardiac arrest that required 20 minutes of CPR, several more lung infections, and a lung haemorrhage.
Margaret was always there, checking on me. She would meet me for coffee just to make sure I was okay.
Finally, after 90 long days in ICU, Sophie was moved to the ward and then to rehab. It was so special to be able to introduce Margaret to Sophie. After 118 days, Sophie was finally discharged.
I can never thank Margaret or The Mooring enough. To have this kind of support while a loved one is fighting for their life is incredible. I cannot express how much this meant to us and how truly thankful we are.
Sophie is home. She still has a long recovery ahead, and we are settling into our new normal. I do miss my beautiful unit in Southport.
Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart.