Ethan’s story

Ethan and his twin brother Harrison were born unexpectedly early at 27 weeks. The tiny boys were cared for on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, unfortunately after just 8 days of life, little Harrison passed away.

Ethan’s hospital journey would be a long one – 256 days in total. Ethan was only 886 grams when he was born and aside from one cuddle with Harrison before he passed away, Ethan’s first proper cuddle with Mum Tara was not until he was 38 days old. Up until then parents Tara and Daniel were only able to put their hands in the isolette, a special crib, and touch Ethan’s little hand.

Ethan is making progress at home and as time goes on and he grows stronger, he requires less respiratory support. He began his journey requiring significant 24/7 support but now mainly requires oxygen only when he is sleeping or sick.

A few months after finally making it home, Ethan had to return to hospital for treatment of craniosynostosis.  This was an almost eight hour surgery that  corrected the malformation of his skull.

“We are so very lucky to have had so much support from our family during this journey and whilst we are devastated that we have not come home with our twin boys together, we are so grateful for all the help Ethan received that allowed him to come home with us. As he grows up we will tell him all about his big brother Harrison.”

Ethan is one of 20 ambassadors for the Woolworths Regional Wall Tokens campaign.

By purchasing a $2 wall token from now until the end of September, you are helping fund equipment and programs in your local hospital, which help families like Ethan’s through an emotional, stressful, and at times uncertain journey.

Woolworths Regional Wall Tokens is an opportunity to highlight some of the brave kids throughout Queensland and northern New South Wales, who you can help by purchasing a wall token.