LITTLE Dante Anderson has not had the easiest start to life, but with the support of his loving parents and exceptional health care, he is off to a flying start.
Dante was born at 37 weeks at Cairns Hospital on March 6 and has now been released from the Special Care Nursery at Cairns Hospital.
“We knew he’d probably end up there as I had gestational diabetes and he had been measuring small since 20 weeks,” mum Alana Anderson said.
“He was a bit underweight when he arrived and now that he’s out of hospital he’s on oxygen at home, but he’s doing really well,” Mrs Anderson said.
“I felt so much guilt at leaving him in hospital after he was born, but the nurses at the Special Care Nursery were amazing and helped me feel confident that he was in the best possible care,” she said. Dante weighed 2.04kg when he arrived and is now up to a health 2.9kg and growing well.
Mrs Anderson has decided to share Dante’s story to help the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation promote the Alive Pharmacy Warehouse Ride for Isabel, on August 11.
This fundraising bike ride is an event that welcomes riders of all levels, with two ride distance options available.
The Ride for Isabel was founded in 2010 by Parliamentary Speaker the Honourable Curtis Pitt and is named in honour of his daughter who was stillborn at 41 weeks in 2008.
“I miss my daughter Isabel every day but I’m proud that her legacy lives on to help other children and families,” Mr Pitt said.
Holding the event on Mother’s Day is also a nod to the particular pain that mums experience with pregnancy loss.
Not only will you be part of an amazing community ride, but your participation also will directly contribute to raising funds for the Special Care Nursery at Cairns Hospital.
“Let's come together and show the power of unity in supporting those in need through the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.”
Foundation Fundraising and Marketing Manager Glenys Duncombe called on the community to get behind the ride.
“When your baby is so little and life is so fragile, it really helps you realise how important it is to have the best quality care close to home. We would love the community’s support to help provide much-needed equipment for this vital service,” she said.
Alive Pharmacy Warehouse Managing Director Georgina Twomey said she and the team were thrilled to support the ride once again. “We recognise the importance for growing families to have a strong and supportive mother and baby unit in Cairns. I am especially pleased to hear that funds raised in 2024 are going towards the Special Care Nursery at Cairns Hospital,” Mrs Twomey said.
Anyone interested in registering or finding out more about the event can check out the website, www.rideforisabel.org.au.
