The arrival of their son was meant to be a joyous occasion for the O’Keefe family.

However, though he arrived without much fuss, in a matter of hours Ollie’s breathing deteriorated. The team at his local hospital acted quickly, intubating Ollie and flying him and his family to the RCH.

Ollie spent the next 12 days in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit – Butterfly Ward attached to machines to help him breathe. He also underwent a series of tests and treatments to determine the cause of his breathing issues. While the health of their new born baby was uncertain, it was the wonderful RCH team which helped keep the O’Keefe Family stable.

“I’ll always be grateful for the team on Butterfly Ward for all of the emotional support which have given us such positive memories from the experience” said Sarah.

Relief came in the form of a diagnosis of viral meningitis and the good news that Ollie was improving. Eight days later the O’Keefe family took their son home for the first time.

“As soon as we got home from the hospital I knew that every year on Ollie’s birthday we would make a donation to the RCH.”

Ollie is now celebrating his first birthday as a healthy, happy and determined little boy. With the encouragement of family and friends, the O’Keefe’s set up an Everydayhero page, allowing others to support the hospital in celebration of Ollie’s milestone birthday.

The family have been overwhelmed by the support they’ve received, with family and friends contributing generously to ensure that babies like Ollie can continue to receive great care at the RCH.