This November I’m taking on the Premmie Marathon Challenge
Our Story – George Alexander ?
On the 21st of April 2025 at 11:47am, we welcomed our precious boy, George Alexander, into this world at just 27 weeks. He weighed 1.3kg, measured 37cm long, with a head of 25cm – so tiny, yet so mighty.
George’s arrival was nothing short of a rollercoaster. After being turned away from our first hospital and told it wasn’t labour, I laboured at home for 12 hours before making it to a hospital in Perth. For another five days, I was told nothing was wrong because my cervix wasn’t opening – even though my body knew otherwise. I was maxed out on every drug possible to stop the labour, and during this time Nic was desperately trying to get an emergency flight home from Japan. He made it back just in time, and only days later my placenta began to rupture. George’s cord was presenting first, and his little life was at risk.
An emergency C-section was performed – I was put to sleep, lost 2.7 litres of blood, and spent the night in ASCU. Since then, I’ve had two blood transfusions, and while I’m still healing, the hardest part has been watching our tiny boy fight for his life in NICU.
George wasn’t able to breathe on his own, his heart rate struggled to stabilise, and every day brought new challenges. From CPAP and high-flow oxygen, feeding tubes, incubators and cots, x-rays, blood tests, swallow tests, and brain scans – George has already been through more in his short life than many face in a lifetime. He was also diagnosed with ROP in his right eye and has battled setbacks that tested us all.
After three long months in NICU, we finally brought him home – only to face another heartbreaking hurdle. His stomach was too immature and too small to cope with breast milk, something we only discovered after he lost nearly 600g at home. He was rushed back to Perth Children’s Hospital, where we spent another two weeks before being sent home again – this time with an NG feeding tube.
Throughout all of this, we’ve spent Easter, Mother’s Day, and even my birthday in hospital. It’s been one of the hardest seasons of our lives – balancing the heartbreak of leaving our baby boy in hospital each night while trying to be present for our toddler, who has already stepped so beautifully into her role as big sister.
George is now 4.5 months old (1.5 months corrected), and though the journey has been anything but easy, he is growing stronger each day. He is our little miracle – our proof that even the tiniest fighters can have the biggest strength.
We are so grateful to the NICU team, Ronald McDonald House, and every single person who has helped us, supported us, or held us up during this time. Please be kind and patient with us as we continue to settle into life as a NICU family – our days are long, our emotions heavy, but our hearts are full of love and hope.
?? Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Because of George’s fight, this November I’ll be taking on a challenge that means so much to me.
I have committed to covering 200km by foot to raise money for premature babies and their families. This is something I never imagined I could do – especially only six months after having an emergency classical C-section where I nearly lost my own life.
Every step I take will be for George, for his NICU friends, and for the families who need hope. This is my way of honouring his fight, giving back to the incredible teams who care for babies like him, and helping other families walking this road.
If you are able, please consider donating to my cause. No matter how big or small, your support will make such a difference for premature babies and their families.
? From the bottom of my heart – thank you
