When Gosnells resident Josh Hawking contracted a superbug at the age of five his parents were told to prepare for the worst.
Now aged 13, Josh has not only survived against the odds but is dedicated to giving back to the Starlight Foundation, which helped him and his family get through one of their greatest challenges.
His mother Carmel said she first noticed something was wrong when Josh started to display flu-like symptoms.
Within a day his temperature had spiked to almost 40 degrees so she took him to Armadale Hospital.
He was then taken via ambulance to Princess Margaret Hospital where he was placed into an induced coma and diagnosed with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), an infection causing bacterium resistant to commonly used antibiotics.
Ms Hawking said after the coma was induced everything ‘went pear-shaped’ as the infection began to attack his lungs.
“He had to be resuscitated a few times and it was pretty traumatic because they kept telling us that he wasn’t going to live and he had no white blood cells left and there was no way his body could fight what was happening,” she said.
As a result of the infection Josh developed necrosis, a form of cell injury, in his fingers and toes.
He also suffered damage to his lungs and a brain injury due to lack of oxygen.
When he was brought out of his coma he was unable to see, talk, swallow, walk or even sit up.
Ms Hawking said he was ‘like a brand new baby’ who had to learn how to do everything again.
She said the rehabilitation process was frequently painful for Josh but he was able to find relief in the special Starlight Express Rooms at PMH.
“Originally it was good for my older son because Josh was in hospital for such a long time so when Ben came to visit he could just chill out because they’ve got all the games and activities you can do in there,” she said.
“Eventually when Josh became well enough he would go in there and it was just the best thing for him because it was a bit of a release. He could get away from all the medical staff and just go and do what kids do without having someone poking and prodding them.”
She said the rooms also became a base for the family during frequent outpatient visits as Josh continued his recovery.
The foundation helped further by granting Josh a wish to fly to Sydney and spend a night in Taronga Zoo.
Ms Hawking said nowadays most people would never know what Josh went through.
“Most people would have absolutely no clue because he walks, talks and runs around like any other kid,” she said.
“He still has a bit of trouble with his lungs and balance but compared to what he’s been though he’s 100 per cent. Josh has decided that because he’s done so well with Starlight and it’s done so much for him that he wants to help out a little bit too – he wants other kids to be able to get help too.”
His brother Ben has also raised money for the foundation, organising a concert for sick children at PMH.
Josh took part in the recent Starlight Day and is encouraging people to donate to the foundation.
Visit starlight.org.au for information.
