Michelle Ellis Kalatzis

Cami & Cleo - Our Premature Babies.

Both of our beautiful daughters had early and unexpected starts to life.

Camille, our first baby, made a surprise entrance at just 34 weeks, then spending the first 3 weeks of her life, being fed from a tube, covered in wires in special care at Gosford Hospital as she grew stronger. Those weeks were incredibly challenging - long, emotional, and exhausting and it was certainly not the experience we had envisioned as first-time parents. Now nearly 2 years old, she is absolutely thriving, full of life, laughter and attitude. Then came Cleo, only 16 months later and she challenged us even earlier. My waters broke unexpectedly at just 31 weeks, and the stress of the situation took a toll (I even developed shingles just three days before she was born.)

What followed were 5 anxious weeks of hospital visits every second day- countless hours spent monitoring her heart rate, receiving steroid injections, antibiotics, fluids, blood tests and ultrasounds. Each appointment was shadowed by the fear of an early delivery, while we held onto hope that she could safely stay inside just a little longer. Once again, the incredible team at Gosford Hospital supported us every step of the way. Thanks to their care and constant vigilance, we were able to safely welcome Cleo at 37 weeks via induction.

We feel incredibly lucky and grateful to say that both our girls are now happy & healthy.

Their journeys into the world were anything but typical, and we’re forever grateful for the care and support we received during those fragile early days.

Every donation helps support families of premature babies and the incredible healthcare teams who make all the difference.

This November I’m taking on the Premmie Marathon Challenge

 I’ll be clocking up my kms in the Premmie Marathon Challenge to raise funds for life-saving neonatal equipment that will give critically ill and premature babies a better chance of survival.

I'd love your support - if you can, please make a tax-deductible donation here.

Thank you for your support.
Your donation will help keep me motivated as I complete my challenge through November, knowing that each km I complete is helping save the lives of sick and premature babies.

Fancy joining me? You can sign up for the Premmie Marathon Challenge too! Simply choose your challenge distance and start clocking your kms for premmie babies.