COCOON Graduates

Santiago Jacob Rudd (Santi) & Teodoro Nicolas Rudd (Tedi) double the fun!

Superpower: Bringing Joy 

“Brave, Strong & Inspiring”–Mum, Nela

 Mr Tedi and Mr. Santi were born at the Royal Women’s Hospital at 23 weeks weighing 648 grams and 650 grams.

Both the boys are currently 13 and 11kg. Tedi developed a severe case of NEC and was transferred to Butterfly for the formation of an ileostomy. Whilst his brother Santi remained at the Women’s. Although not lonely as he flirted with many of the nursing and medical staff at the Women’s, he missed his brother dearly. Tedi underwent many surgical procedures more than his brothers Salvi and Santi could count. Tedi also battledmuch difficulty weaning off of respiratory support. Around the time of his due date he received a tracheostomy. He very swiftly waved goodbye to his ventilator and started to party! Having two babies in two separate hospitals was difficult for mum Nela and dad Zac but didn’t stop them from being by the boy’s side every step of the way. Time management was imperative.

A tracheostomy seemed like a very daunting concept to Mum and Dad at first however, they report that now, this is second nature and does not stop Tedi or his family from living their best, brightest and active life.

Mum Nela describes their 5 month journey on Butterfly as difficult and uncertain with many overwhelming emotions. Their time at the two hospitals helped cultivate patience and these days they look back on their butterfly experience only with great fondness. Mum and dad would like to thank the beautiful people on Butterfly who greeted them and cared for them with smiles of encouragement. Despite tumultuous days, staff always made them feel welcome.

The boys were finally reunited and since then they have gone to live amazing lives. Going home was both a joyous and terrifying experience!

Mum and Dad would like to say: “We as parents enjoy every moment of Tedi’s life, knowing that if it weren’t for the staff at butterfly those moments wouldn’t be possible. We are proud parents of two amazing extreme premature babies, and it is all thanks to you.”

Milly Bezette a Butterfly Baby Hero

Superpower: Thriving

“Determined, Happy and Gorgeous!” –Mum, Jo

Miss Milly Bezette was born at the Royal Women’s Hospital at 25 weeks weighing a heavy 848 grams. She is currently 22 months old and 13kgs.

Milly had big problems passing meconium shortly after her birth and she arrived at the Royal Children’s Hospital Butterfly for some help.

Miss Milly had complex surgery and a stoma formation. She also had chronic lung disease for which she had a little too much love for her ventilator. Milly also underwent laser eye surgery for Retinopathy of Prematurity and she had a nasty case of CMV which had everyone shaking in their boots.

Milly’s mum Jo describes their 5 month journey on Butterfly as long and difficult but throughout it all Milly developed her love of being the centre of attention. The kindness of the staff in Milly’s care and shared joy with other mum’s were some of Jo’s fondest memories on the unit.

Moving on from Butterfly was not easy, Milly went home on supplemental oxygen and had nasogastric feeds for around 5 months. Slowly and steadily Milly being the clever and gorgeous girl she is started to shine through and has been thriving ever since.

She’s just about to start walking and can now say ‘MUM’ Milly would like to shoutout to all the Butterfly staff but particularly: Gemma, Jenna, Renee, David, Emily, Polly and Arnie.

Jo would like to say: “Thank you for putting up with my never-ending tears while taking such good care of Milly”