NOVEMBER 10, 2020 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
Defying the odds
(Damjan Janevski) 220096_06
Tiny baby Hunter continues to defy the odds – just like his mum Chloe Zammit. Delivered by emergency cesarean on July 5 at 27 weeks, Hunter weighed little more than a block of butter at 811 grams and set a record as the smallest baby born at Joan Kirner Hospital in Sunshine. Ms Zammit, who was told by doctors in 2018 that should couldn’t have anymore children, said she counted herself and Hunter “lucky to be here”. “It was a high-risk pregnancy … When they delivered Hunter, I didn’t think I would hear him cry but he cried and I was so relieved,” she said. “I didn’t get to kiss him at all for six days and I had my first cuddle on July 12.” Hunter’s first three months were spent on a breathing machine, having blood transfusions, COVID-19 tests and fighting infection. Doctors believed he would need oxygen for the next two years but Hunter proved them wrong and is now breathing on his own. “He’s a little machine and I’m so thankful for all the support that we have received,” Ms Zammit said. Esther Lauaki
Support for crash victims By Benjamin Millar Friends of a Hillside family involved in a serious crash are seeking public support to help steer them through the recovery. Mark Esposito and his three boys were on their way home from school recently when an allegedly stolen truck that was fleeing from police crashed into their car on Melton Valley Drive, forcing it off the road and into a telegraph pole. All four were taken to hospital suffering serious injuries, with Mr Esposito sustaining a fractured spine. Close family friend Manny Chircop said the crash was a severe blow for the family and follows an earlier road accident that left Mr Esposito in a long coma and fighting for his life.
Mark Esposito with his three boys, and the mangled wreck of the car. (Pictures: Supplied)
Mr Chircop said that his friend had lost his successful landscaping business following the first crash and the latest setback was yet another cruel twist of fate. “Mark has three fractures in his spine, but I think the biggest concern is the oldest son,
he hit his head on the windscreen and has numbness right down his side,” he said. “The youngest has a broken arm between his elbow and the shoulder.” Mr Chircop said Mr Esposito and the three boys are now back at home after stints in the hospital, but all are in a lot of pain and further surgery may still be on the cards. He has set up a GoFundMe page in a bid to help the family pay bills and put food on the table. “I had to do something he’s a good mate of mine and it made me sick,” he said. Another victim of the crash was Mr Esposito’s restored classic car, written off due to the heavy impact. “We’re part of a car club and that was his
pride and joy,” Mr Chircop said. “Mark has done a lot of work on it himself, it was the last thing he still had left from before his accident.” A 33-year-old Melton South man driving the truck that was being pursued by police allegedly attempted to flee the scene after the crash, but crashed into an embankment near the Western Highway and was arrested nearby. He is facing a series of charges including dangerous driving causing injury, reckless conduct endangering life, unlicensed driving and failure to render assistance. Mr Chircop said almost $30,000 has been raised to help the family but more donations would be gratefully received. Donations can be made via gofundme.com/esposito-boyssupport-fund.
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