Six-year-old Hazel is no stranger to hard work.
Growing up on her mum’s dairy farm near Echuca, she’s used to early mornings and muddy boots. But when Hazel started complaining of tummy pain, Mum April couldn’t imagine where it might lead them.
“She was unwell Monday and Tuesday, but by Wednesday night I just knew something wasn’t right and called an ambulance”, April says.
Doctors couldn’t identify the problem, but April, a single mum and full-time dairy farmer, trusted her instincts.
“I pushed for blood tests and thank goodness I did. Her infection levels were dangerously high.”
A CRP (or C-reactive protein) blood test checks for inflammation in the body and can signal infections. A normal CRP level is less than 5mg/L, but Hazel’s was 511mg/L.
By Thursday morning, Hazel was being flown to The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) in an air ambulance.
“I remember looking out the window and pointing out Uncle Brend’s place to Hazel, she was, understandably, not in the mood,” April recalls. “All I could think was, ‘Who’s going to milk the cows?’”
Back home, April’s family rallied the local community. Neighbours and friends stepped in to milk the cows and tend to the farm during one of the busiest times of the year.
“The whole dairy industry really came together. I was on the phone every day with Mum and Dad, but people just showed up for us. It was incredible.”
At the RCH, Hazel was admitted to the Platypus ward. Her condition was serious and she needed urgent surgery to remove her appendix. She spent three and a half weeks in hospital, undergoing two different surgeries.
“It was a lot for a little country kid who’s used to the farm.”
Despite the challenges, Hazel found moments of joy and connection. She formed a special bond with ‘Kiwi Emma’, a nurse on Platypus.
“She still talks about how amazing Emma was.”
Hazel was also thrilled to win two prizes on the hospital’s own TV game show, Hospital Lingo.
“She was chuffed. We even played with a couple of the nurses one day, that was a real highlight.”
Looking back, April is grateful she trusted her gut.
“If we’d gone home that night, I don’t know what would’ve happened. I really feel for parents who can’t speak up. I had a bit of an advantage being from a dairy background, I recognised some of the medications and signs from treating sick calves. But now I always tell people: you know your kids. Speak up.”
Hazel’s still recovering, but she’s home now and slowly getting back to farm life.
“You never know when you’re going to need the RCH,” April says. “But when you do, they’re there, and they’re amazing.”