Hailey - Our Little Miracle

Hailey had her very first Book Week parade today! 🎉

This was her at home before we left for school and I’m so incredibly proud of her. She got up, joined in the parade and even spoke into the microphone to tell everyone she was a Minion! 💛

I do have a video but as it includes other children I won’t be sharing it for privacy reasons. Just know that she did it and she was amazing!

BIG W invited Hailey to her local store today to say thank you for being one of the faces of this year's $2 Heart Token Campaign supporting the Perth Children's Hospital Foundation . They absolutely spoiled her with presents, cuddles from Stitches and made her feel so incredibly special.

Three years ago we didn't know if Hailey would survive. She suffered life threatening burns, spent weeks fighting for her life and has faced countless surgeries, therapies and rehabilitation ever since. Today seeing her laughing, hugging Stitches and proudly representing the hospital that helped save her life is something we could only have dreamed of.

A huge thank you to BIG W for your kindness, generosity and for making today so magical for Hailey. Your support through the Toy Sale and Heart Token campaign helps make a real difference to children and families like ours.

To the Perth Children's Hospital Foundation thank you for believing in Hailey and giving her the opportunity to share her story. We are so proud that she can help raise awareness and support the incredible work you do every day for WA kids.

And to everyone who buys a $2 Heart Token during the BIG W Toy Sale thank you. Every token helps provide life changing care, equipment, research and rehabilitation for children at Perth Children's Hospital. We know first hand just how much that support means.

The Big W Toy Sale is on now until July 8th. Pop into store and grab a $2 Heart Token at the checkout, with 100% of funds going straight to PCHF to support WA kids ❤️

This popped up in my Facebook Memories today.

This is Hailey learning to crawl as a baby. From the very beginning she was determined to be up and on the go with her older siblings.

Looking back now I truly believe that same stubborn determination she had right from the start (long before her accident) is a big part of what helped her relearn to walk and keep up with the other kids all over again.

She never gave up then and she never gave up the second time either. So incredibly proud of her. ❤️

I wanted to post this earlier today but it's taken me most of today to work out what I wanted to write. Sorry for the length 🙈

Today marks 3 years since our lives changed forever, Hailey's accident.

In a single moment everything changed. What followed was a journey we never could have imagined. Over the past three years Hailey has endured more than any child ever should. She has faced severe burns, brain injury, countless surgeries, skin grafts, laser treatments, therapies, hospital admissions and challenges that have tested her in ways no child should ever have to experience.

But through it all she has continued to amaze us.

Hailey has shown a strength, courage and determination that inspires us every single day. Every step she has taken, every milestone she has reached, every new skill she has learned has been hard-earned. Things that many take for granted have been victories worth celebrating and watching her refuse to give up has been one of the greatest privileges.

Her accident changed our lives forever. It changed our perspective, our priorities and taught us never to take a single moment for granted. There have been days filled with heartbreak, uncertainty and exhaustion but there have also been moments of incredible hope, joy and triumph.

One of the greatest joys has been watching Hailey thrive at school. Seeing her happy, learning and making friends fills our hearts in ways we can't describe. We are especially grateful for the kindness and acceptance shown by her classmates. Children have such a wonderful way of seeing the person before the scars and watching them include, encourage and support Hailey has been incredibly special. It gives us so much hope for the future and reminds us just how powerful kindness and inclusion can be.

We are overwhelmed with gratitude for every single person who has walked this journey alongside us.

To the doctors, nurses and specialists who cared for Hailey. To every therapist who has helped her rebuild her strength and independence. To her teachers, education assistants and the entire school community who have embraced her, believed in her and helped her flourish. To her incredible support workers who continue to help her. To our family, friends and everyone who has supported us, prayed for us, checked in on us, donated, fundraised or simply stood beside us we will never be able to thank you enough.

You have all been part of Hailey's story. Because of your care, kindness, encouragement and belief in her she continues to achieve things we once only dreamed were possible.

And to our beautiful Hailey...

Three years ago we feared we might lose you. But today we get to watch you laugh, learn, play, grow and dream. We are endlessly proud of you and your courage, your resilience, your determination, your cheeky smile and the happiness you bring to everyone around you.

You are our miracle, our greatest inspiration and our daily reminder that even after life's darkest moments there can still be so much light.

We love you more than words could ever express and we can't wait to watch you continue to shine. ❤️

Business News has also shared an article on Hailey's story and the Perth Children's Hospital Foundation Tax Appeal.

Link to story:
https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/Making-EOFY-dollars-count

Hailey's story was also shared in print in the PerthNow - Canning edition yesterday...I may have picked up a copy or twelve 🙈

Link to donate to PCHF's Tax Appeal:
https://fundraisefor.pchf.org.au/tax

PerthNow | Perth Children's Hospital Foundation

PerthNow have shared Hailey's story as well as Perth Children's Hospital Foundation efforts for raising money this tax time for rehab kids ❤️

Link to the full story:
https://www.perthnow.com.au/wa/perth/south/canning/perth-toddler-fighting-for-her-life-three-years-ago-now-raising-vital-funds-for-kids-rehab-wa-with-pchf-c-22454683

Hailey's feeling better and back at school today 🎉

Her wheelchair is currently in the workshop getting a seat extension because she's grown so much since we first got it!

So this morning we improvised and took her trike to school instead. Judging by that smile, I'd say she was pretty happy with the arrangement 😆

The reality of having a child with a weakened immune system who attends school is that they seem to pick up every bug and germ going around 😔

Unfortunately, Hailey tested positive for Influenza A on Sunday night. As a result, she's had to miss the entire week of school while she tries to recover. She's been incredibly weak, barely eating or drinking, and has had very little energy to do much at all.

We've been in close contact with the hospital and are monitoring her carefully. If she doesn't start improving soon, a trip to the hospital may be necessary.

We're keeping everything crossed that she turns a corner and starts feeling better soon 🤞🤞

Help WA's sick kids like Hailey get well and stay well by purchasing a BIG W $2 token at any register.

Perth Children's Hospital Foundation