Ryan is just one of 55,000 Australians diagnosed with sepsis each year.

In December 2022, Jessica Lines’ life changed when her one-year-old son, Ryan, developed what seemed like a common cold but quickly worsened. Unable to walk and spiking a high fever, Ryan was rushed to their local hospital in Broken Hill.

When his condition deteriorated, he was flown to Adelaide’s Women’s and Children’s Hospital, where doctors discovered a life-threatening Group A streptococcal infection.

In one of the most terrifying moments of her life, Jessica was told that Ryan had gone into cardiac arrest. 

“I was alone in the Hospital’s parent room, exhausted after two days without sleep, when they came to tell me the news,” Jessica recalls. 

Miraculously, after 10 minutes of CPR, Ryan’s heart began beating again.

Yet, the challenges were far from over. Ryan spent nearly three weeks in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), fighting for his life as the hospital staff became like a second family to Jessica.

“It was one thing after another, and we were living minute by minute, not knowing if he’d survive,” Jessica explains.

In February 2023, Ryan faced major surgery to amputate parts of his limbs due to the irreversible damage.

For Jessica, the Women’s and Children’s Hospital was more than a medical facility. The Hospital staff provided not only critical care for Ryan but also unwavering emotional support for the family.

“It wasn’t just a place for medical care, it became our safe place,” she reflects.

Our community: Supporting families through difficult times.

Your donation will support families through their most difficult times.

Ryan’s story is just one of the thousands of emergencies the Hospital sees each year. It’s a place that families can rely on when life throws the unimaginable their way.

Every year, the Women’s and Children’s Health Network supports these children and their families. 24 hours a day. 365 days a year.

We are there to support families in their most difficult times. But we can’t do it without you.

Your tax-deductible donation will allow us to continue funding vital equipment, services, and research, ensuring we can continue to help families like Ryan's.

Leni's Story

Leni, the youngest of four, is a spirited two-year-old described by her mum, Niki, as their “beautiful little pocket rocket.” Last November, Leni’s health took a sudden turn. It began with mild symptoms and a slight fever, leading to a diagnosis of scarlet fever by their GP. However, her condition worsened, and Niki noticed subtle signs of respiratory distress, prompting an urgent visit to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

By the time they arrived, Leni was unconscious and in septic shock due to invasive Group A streptococcus. Niki recalls the overwhelming fear as doctors fought to stabilise her daughter. Leni was placed in an induced coma, and her parents stayed by her side in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for three weeks. Music became a source of comfort, with Niki creating a calming environment through softly played playlists.

As Leni’s condition improved, she was moved to Cassia Ward, where she spent another six weeks. Play Therapists played a vital role in her recovery, helping her regain muscle tone and strength through engaging activities. The bond formed with the Hospital staff was profound.

Although Leni’s journey to recovery is ongoing, involving speech therapy and physiotherapy, her progress has been remarkable. 

Reflecting on the care they received, Niki says, “In our greatest time of need, we were blessed to be able to be in the care of the wonderful staff of the Hospital, knowing there was no better place Leni could be. I’m not just grateful for the medical care the Hospital provides, but for the kindness, comfort, and hope they provide for families like ours in some of the darkest moments.”

Harry's Story

Harry is a 14-year-old, with a great sense of humour who loves footy and online gaming. In July last year, Harry fell critically ill during the school holidays. His mum, Meagan, initially thought it was the flu, but when he couldn't keep down fluids and became increasingly lethargic, they sought medical advice.

Although doctors initially suspected influenza, Harry’s condition worsened rapidly. He was rushed to the Women's and Children's Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a Group A streptococcal infection that had led to sepsis.

During Harry’s time in the Hospital, the uncertainty was overwhelming. "At one point we weren't sure if he'd walk again. We weren't sure if he'd still have his legs," Meagan admits. Harry endured immense pain and underwent three surgeries to remove infected tissue. 

After ten days in intensive care and six weeks in the Hospital, Harry slowly began his recovery. He had to relearn how to walk and now, more than a year later, Harry is back playing football and even went on a school trip to Vietnam earlier this year. But the road ahead still holds challenges. 

When reflecting on how far Harry has come, Meagan can’t help but marvel at his resilience. "I have to commend him on his effort to get where he is today because it’s been a fair fight. He never complained. Not once," she said."I remember in hospital he asked me, ‘Mum, why is this happening to me?’ and I said, ‘Mate, we don’t get to make those choices, it just happens sometimes. The only thing you can control is what happens from now.’”

Our community: Supporting families through difficult times.

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to an infection damages its own tissues and organs.

• fast breathing or long pauses in breathing
• blotchy or discoloured skin
• skin abnormally cold to touch
• rash that does not fade when pressed
• infrequent wet nappies or low urine output
• drowsiness, difficulty waking up or confusion
• restlessness or floppy limbs
• vomiting
• fits or convulsions
• a lot of unexplained pain
• high or very low body temperature
• persistent vomiting and not feeding or eating
• baby with bulging anterior fontanelle (soft spot in the skull)
• high-pitched cry.
  

*Source: www.sahealth.sa.gov.au