WHEN the Stephenson family from Canning Vale crossed the finish line at the John Hughes Big Walk fundraising for PMH Foundation earlier this month, it was a sign of how far the young family had come.
Sarah and Elliot Stephenson’s two sons Oliver (3) and Eli (23 months) each owe their healthy lives to PMH nurses.
Oliver was born at 36 weeks and remained in hospital for the first six weeks of his life, battling through multiple surgeries.
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READ NOWWhile Eli was born without complication, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and global developmental delay and was legally blind and deaf in one ear.
“We have had a lot of tests and still many more to come. Eli is only at the start of his journey and has a big road ahead of him but he is doing so well and is going from strength to strength,” Mrs Stephenson said.
Mrs Stephenson said the family chose to walk in the fundraiser to thank hospital staff.
“The reason why we (did) the walk was to try raise awareness and also money to thank all the staff and everyone involved in everything that has been done so far and will continue to be done for both our boys in the future,” she said.
“The NICU staff at PMH are truly one of a kind and we have them to thank for how strong Ollie is now. They made us feel safe and calm and we knew our boy was in the best hands possible. This is why we want to take time to thank a place close to our hearts.”
The walk attracted 3000 participants and raised more than $160,000.