Four months is a long time in the life of a 3 year old. Four months being spent in an Intensive Care Unit bed feels even longer.
In August 2018, Willow and her twin sister Emme were admitted to Starship with severe cases of Influenza and Pneumonia. Little Emme spent two weeks at Starship before making a recovery. Her twin sister, Willow, unfortunately had a longer road ahead of her.
On her second day in PICU, Willow’s lungs collapsed setting off a chain of events that resulted in a terrifying 77 day battle for life in the PICU ward and a further 51 days in recovery and rehabilitation. During the course of her stay, little Wonder- Willow bravely overcame incredible odds, defeating infections and internal bleeding, conquering comas and renal failure, and even the removal of 20% of her left lung. There are very few patients in the world who are ever placed on an ECMO heart and lung machine (the highest form of life support) more than once.  Brave little Willow was put on ECMO not only once, but three times.
Willow fought for a total of 128 days in Starship, gathering enough strength to be able to return home just in time for Christmas. A testament to her character, the care and support of her family, her constant companion Emme, and the incredible team of doctors and nurses at Starship.
Willow is the definition of brave, but she couldn’t have done it without help. You can help Willow, and hundreds of other little superheroes just like her by donating to Starship.
Become a sidekick to one of Starship’s little superheroes and donate today!