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A big, warm cuddle for a little battler BY CLAIRE THWAITES WHEN she was 33 weeks pregnant, Croydon’s Nami Clarke and her husband Andy got some heartbreaking news — the kind no expectant parent wants to hear. Doctors said their unborn baby girl had a serious kidney disease and would be likely to live for only a few days after birth. Baby Dulcie was born on June 28 — and, defying all odds, she is getting stronger and healthier each day. ‘‘She is being a normal naughty baby who’s keeping us up at night,’’ her proud mother said. Dulcie suffers from autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease. It’s a disease she had a one in 20,000 chance of developing and will most likely result in the need for a transplant at some point. ‘‘I had a scan at 33 weeks that showed my amniotic fluid was down, so they did a follow-up scan a few weeks later,’’ Mrs Clarke said. ‘‘I was concerned but not alarmed at this point.’’
The Clarkes then met with a geneticist who delivered the devastating news. ‘‘I just felt shocked. Absolutely shocked. And sadness. I actually don’t remember much about that appointment at all — it’s such a blur.’’ Dulcie was delivered via natural birth at 361⁄2 weeks. She was on oxygen for the first 12 hours but since then has exceeded all expectations. Together with 2 1⁄2-year-old son Mannus, the family and a group of friends are gearing up to take part in the Big Red Walk to support Kidney Health Australia. They have been overwhelmed by the support so far that has helped them already raise $5000 for the charity. ‘‘We have had donations from people we have not seen for 10 years. It has been incredible.’’ The Big Red Walk is on Father’s Day — this Sunday — at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kings Domain. To donate to the Clarkes’ appeal visit everydayhero.com.au/hero_pages/view_posts/ clarkeys_kidneys.
Family ties: Croydon mother Nami with baby Dulcie and two-year-old Mannus.
Picture: Rob Carew
Our results put your child in a class above Our unique parallel learning model, small classes and wonderful environment all work together to provide excellent results for our students. We are extremely proud of the fact that in 2011 97% of Tintern graduates went on to pursue further studies. Victorian State Government On Track Data regarding 2011 Year 12 graduates places Tintern Schools firmly in the top 5% of Victorian Schools.
As students approach their final years of school, we work with them individually to provide structured advice on possible careers and courses. Even once the final results are in, we continue to work with them to ensure clarity and direction.
www.tinternschools.vic.edu.au or phone 9845 7878 ELC – Year 12 Independent School
August 28, 2012 WEEKLY – YOUR COMMUNITY VOICE
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