Hi, my name is Helen and I'm fundraising for my son Colby who is a 7-year-old boy. As some of you may know Colby his not just any Child he has undergone 69 operations with more to come. He has acquired brain injury, cerebral palsy, non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, chronic lung disease, COPD and a few other conditions.

We recently found out Colby has a Cholesteatoma in his right ear with surgical treatment being the only choice. The operations has to be done in 2 stages The first stage on the 15th April will be be to remove the infected part of the Mastoid bone with is part of the skull and the second stage 6 -12months later will be replacing the missing bone with prosthesis. This operation is even more complicated as Colby also has a shunt and Rickman's reservoir on this right side. We find out on the 3rd of April if the shunt will need to be moved to other side prior. We dont know how many more operations Colby will need in future.

In 2023, life dealt a devastating blow to Colby's family. We were told by the team at Sydney Children's Hospital that Colby will need to stay within 50km of the Randwick Hospital which means not being able to return to our home on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. Our hearts shattered when we learned the news. Colby is a beautiful, happy boy who is adored by everyone, and he deserves a chance at a healthy life. Colby has goals to play football like peers his age, to continue to complete in spartan races his wanting to complete a double trifecta this year and to return to school like his friends. We have managed to sign another 12 month lease here in Sydney.

Since being born at 23 weeks in December 2016, Colby has undergone multiple brain surgeries, with more ahead the next being the 15th of April. Unfortunately, Colby can't receive the neurosurgical treatment in Queensland due to being over-shunted after getting his first shunt at 1 year old causing bilateral brain bleeds not once but 6 times over 18 months which resulted in the acquired brain injury diagnosis. We travelled to Sydney to get a second opinion which is how we met Dr Jacobson and her team who was able to turn his shunt off as he didn't need it and 1 year later was able to take it out. In 2022 Colby had a seizure so we presented to the Sunshine Coast Hospital where he had another seizure but he was sent home and told he had a virus. We then need to travel to Sydney Children's Hospital which found the pressure in his brain was high and he required a emergency shunt placement meaning Queensland Health let him down again. In April 2023 Colby had another seizure and we presented to Sunshine Coast Hospital and again sent home and told it was just a headache so again we headed to Sydney where Colby needed multiple shunt adjustments and a new shunt now. Each surgery comes with risks to Colby with potential long-term effects on his health. All of Colby's specialist are now in New South Wales.

As you can imagine, this has taken a severe toll on Colby and his family, who have been by Colby's side day and night since birth. Helen has had to stop work due to Colby's needs. The financial burden on Colby's family is immense, both in the short-term and the long-term.

This is where your generous contribution can make an immediate and lasting impact. Your donation will help Colby and his family with ongoing costs. We do have private health insurance but the out of pocket cost are still expensive as this will be operation 70 and 71. As well as day-to-day living expenses on 1 income and time off work.

Stage 1 estimated out of pocket $3246.50 plus Anaesthetist $500

Stage 2 estimated out of pocket $ 2550.50 plus Anaesthetist $500

Any money over the target will be put into Colby's bank for future operations, time of work for this appointments, other expenses for Colby and his family.

We humbly ask you to share Colby's story with your network and consider donating, no matter how big or small. Every little bit counts. Colby and his family have a long and challenging road ahead, and they need our help now more than ever.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your compassion, generosity, and support for Colby and his family. Together, we can make a difference in their lives during this incredibly difficult time.

With heartfelt gratitude

Helen, Dwayne, Colby and big brother David.