At just four weeks old, the son of Tullamarine resident Rikki Cosgriff, Ty, was diagnosed with a rare condition called Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia.
With the vital support from the Royal Children’s Hospital, Ty was able to get through the challenging period of early treatment, where he is now in a much healthier situation as a two years old.
The rare condition, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, is a genetic condition which affects a child’s normal growth and hormones.
During the difficult period in hospital in Ty’s early life, he was constantly unwell when he was born and was constantly vomiting and losing weight very quickly.
Ty continues to receive treatments in fludrocortisone and hydrocortisone, although he is able to live a happier life, running and jumping around the family home in Tullamarine, thanks to the important medical support he received.
The Royal Children’s Hospital endocrinology team is visited by Ty every 12 weeks for blood tests to ensure everything is working ok and to ensure the medication is satisfactory as he grows up.
Ty’s mother Cosgriff said: “If Ty is unwell or suffers a significant injury he can become very sick very fast or life threatening without additional hydrocortisone.”
“We have been guided by the Children’s (RCH) through all of this, being a rare condition they have been our only source of information, care and treatment.
“We are beyond grateful to have access to this hospital and the service they provide in helping our little boy lead his best life.”
The Cosgriff family thanks anyone that was able to donate during the Good Friday Appeal in order to support future research into this rare condition.
“Donations are what keep this hospital going and provide the research needed to help our babies,” she said.
“We are so thankful to everyone that can donate.”
Good Friday Appeal executive director Rebecca Cowan said: “We’re beyond grateful by the generosity of all Victorian communities and beyond who have donated to this year’s Good Friday Appeal.
“Thank you to everyone who has come together once again to support The Royal Children’s Hospital to remain a world-class facility helping sick Australian children and families.”
Max Hatzoglou
