Help Support Little Millie’s Recovery and Raise Awareness

Hi, my name is Jesika, and I'm reaching out far and wide—not only to help a beautiful family, but also to raise awareness about a serious and often overlooked danger that no parent should ever have to face.

Just two weeks ago, Luke and Emily’s precious three-year-old daughter, Millie, suddenly became very ill. What started as tummy pain, pale skin, green vomit, and high fevers quickly escalated into a life-threatening emergency. Millie was admitted to Bundaberg Hospital, but despite constant IV fluids and care, her condition worsened—her stomach expanded, her bowels stopped functioning, and she wasn't passing urine.

On July 7th, Millie was urgently flown to Brisbane Children’s Hospital. By 9 p.m. that same night, doctors made the difficult decision to rush her into emergency surgery. She was placed into an induced coma and put on life support.

After surgery, Luke and Emily were given heartbreaking news: the next few hours and days would be critical, and there was no certainty Millie would survive.

The cause? Something no one expected: two small high-powered magnets, swallowed at separate times, had attracted through three layers of her bowel, causing six perforations. Her bowel had been leaking into her stomach, leading to a severe infection and sepsis. Surgeons had to drain over a litre of pus from her tiny body and remove the majority of her bowel. A stoma was created to allow her body to recover, and she now faces additional surgeries in the weeks ahead to try and reattach her bowel and see if it will function again.

As horrifying as this is, the most shocking part is that doctors say they see this often—and that it’s not well-known how dangerous magnets can be when swallowed by children. These tiny but powerful magnets can be found in toys, fridges, electronics, even jewelry. There is simply not enough awareness, and it almost cost Millie her life.

We are beyond grateful that Millie is still here, thanks to the urgent and expert care she received. But this family now faces a long and uncertain road ahead. Millie will remain in hospital for months, and during this time:

Luke and Emily are unable to work

They are far from home, away from their other children, family, and support systems

They are facing mounting bills, rent, travel, and living expenses while trying to stay by their little girl’s side

This is every parent’s nightmare, and it’s not over yet.

If you are able to donate even a small amount, it would go a long way toward easing the financial burden and helping Luke and Emily focus on what matters most: Millie’s recovery.

If you can’t donate, please consider sharing this story to raise awareness. Magnets are not toys, and parents everywhere deserve to know how dangerous they can be. If this message reaches just one other family and prevents another child from going through what Millie has, then something good can come from this heartbreaking ordeal.

From the bottom of our hearts—thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support.

With love and hope,

Jesika