Hi! I’m a close family friend of Edens family and I’ve created this fundraiser to help ease some pressure for a special fighting family.

For the past 4½ years, Eden has travelled regularly from Horsham to Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) for ongoing specialist care for several different conditions.

Eden is managed by specialist teams in:

• Neurology (seizures )

• Respiratory (sleep apnoea)

• Craniofacial

• ENT

• Ophthalmology

In addition, Eden attends multiple private eye clinics, which are essential to monitor and preserve her eyesight but unfortunately are not bulk billed.

Eden’s Eye Conditions:

When Eden was just 12 months old, it became clear that her eyes were not developing as expected. While it’s common for infants’ eyes to turn initially, Eden’s never fully straightened.

Eden has strabismus (exotropia), a condition where the eyes turn outward. What began as an issue mostly affecting her right eye now impacts both eyes and has progressively worsened over time due to the eye muscles being unable to properly control movement.

From around 18 months old, Eden has worn daily eye patches and attended specialist reviews in Melbourne at least 3 monthly.

As a result of her strabismus, Eden developed amblyopia (lazy eye) in her right eye - a condition affecting only around 2% of children in Australia. Amblyopia occurs when the brain stops sending signals to one eye. Eden currently has blurred vision in her right eye.

Amblyopia cannot be cured, only treated. Despite her intensive patching we’re now relying on further surgical intervention. It can cause permanent vision loss, reduced depth perception, and difficulties with fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Eden previously underwent corrective eye surgery, however it was unsuccessful. Her eyesight is now declining rapidly. This year, she requires further complex surgery involving both eyes and all six eye muscles, along with significantly increased specialist appointments. Her amblyopia has also worsened. This means more frequent hospital visits, and expensive appointments and more complex surgeries.

Epilepsy, Neurology & Sleep Concerns

Eden also lives with epilepsy, and her seizures have recently changed. She is now experiencing night-time seizures and severe sleep disturbances and is under active care of the Neurology team, with upcoming neurology appointments scheduled.

She requires:

• Sleep-deprived EEGs

• Overnight EEG monitoring

• A multi-day sleep study

• Ongoing Neurology and Sleep Medicine assessments

These investigations mean extended hospital stays in Melbourne and significant time away from home.

The Reality of Hospital Life

Over the past four months alone, Eden has spent at least five days every month either admitted to hospital or attending intensive specialist appointments, with even more already scheduled.

Because the specialists are so far away is is meaning long periods away from home. In reality, Eden is spending a large portion of her childhood in hospital rooms and waiting areas rather than simply being a child.

in the mast 6 months alone, Eden and her mum spent nearly three months living between RCH Melbourne and Ronald McDonald House.

The Hidden Financial Reality for a Single Mum

Eden’s mum, Danielle, is a single mother doing everything she can to keep life stable for her children. She works a full-time day job, along with additional night work, simply to keep up with rent, household bills, and Eden’s ever-increasing medical expenses.

Many of Eden’s specialist appointments require upfront payment, and time away from work for hospital stays often means lost income ( she never builds enough leave to have that income security) all while rent, utilities, food, and everyday expenses continue regardless.

After long hospital days, Danielle frequently goes straight into night work, running on very little sleep. This constant cycle leaves little time for rest, recovery, or meaningful time with her other children.

This is not a lack of effort - it is the reality of trying to balance basic living costs with the medical care Eden urgently needs.

Why We’re Asking for Help

Funds raised will help cover:

• Travel between Horsham and Melbourne including meals and parking fees (

• Upfront out-of-pocket medical and specialist fees

• Rent, household bills, and basic living expenses

• Lost income due to time away from work for appointments and admissions

This support isn’t about extras. It’s about keeping a roof over their heads, bills paid, and ensuring Eden can continue receiving the care she needs without her family falling further behind.

Eden’s Strength

Despite everything, Eden remains a happy, resilient and loving little girl. She loves to dance, sing and play sport. She wears her eye patch bravely and continues to smile through hospital visits.

She has already been through so much and she still has a long road ahead.

Thank you for taking the time to read, share, and support Eden’s journey. Every donation helps relieve the financial pressure and allows Danielle to focus on what matters most, caring for Eden and keeping her family afloat during this incredibly challenging time.