Baby Eleanor was born six weeks premature at St John of God Geelong Hospital in 2021, and spent over 20 days in the hospital’s Special Care Nursery.
Eleanor experienced respiratory distress syndrome and needed a specialised procedure that required equipment that was unavailable in Geelong at the time, meaning she had to travel all the way to Melbourne at only a couple of weeks old. If Eleanor could have had this procedure in Geelong, it would have meant that she could stay close to her family.
This distressing and difficult experience deeply affected Eleanor’s parents and extended family. Inspired by this, her mother, Caitlyn Jolly, decided to give back by helping other local families access vital care closer to home. Caitlyn dedicated herself to fundraising in support of St John of God Geelong Hospital, to enable the purchase the of new video laryngoscope equipment. “My hope is that it will help fewer parents be separated from their precious babies when a little extra care is needed,” Caitlyn said.“I’m so grateful to everyone who has shown their support, it really means the world to me."
Caitlyn created an online fundraising page, ‘Eleanor’s Gift’, to encourage her friends, family and local businesses to give in support of the new equipment – and donations began to pour in. She also organised a silent auction featuring beautiful hampers, thanks to the support of many local businesses across Geelong. The hampers included wine, baby gifts and wellness and beauty products.
After nearly two years of fundraising, Caitlyn reached her goal and the hospital was able to purchase the vital video laryngoscope equipment for the Special Care Nursery.
To celebrate, the hospital community came together for an afternoon tea event, where Caitlyn, her husband and their families gathered.
Dr Kym Anderson, one of the doctors who uses the new equipment, also explained its benefits and the significant impact it will have for the hospital’s littlest patients.
On behalf of St John of God Geelong Hospital caregivers and patients, and especially newborn babies and their families in the Special Care Nursery, our sincerest thanks to Caitlyn, her family and the local community for this incredible show of support. Thanks to Caitlyn’s dedication, Geelong families will be able to access the best care close to home for many years to come.
Pictured in banner image: Caitlyn Jolly, her husband Aaron, and their baby Eleanor
Pictured (R-L): Aaron and Caitlyn Jolly, Dr Kym Anderson, and St John of God Geelong Hospital CEO Stephen Roberts