A young Lenasia South couple is appealing to the community for financial assistance as their baby girl remains hospitalised following a series of critical medical complications.
Kirsti Dixon (27) and her husband, Kershwin Dixon (31), have endured an emotional and financially draining few months as their daughter underwent urgent brain surgery and continues to require specialised medical care.
Speaking to GLOBE POST Dixon said: “I gave birth on on 22 April 2025 and from the time my daughter came out she had difficulties. On the 18 June, she was diagnosed with Costello Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder caused by HRAS gene mutations, resulting in multi-organ abnormalities, including developmental delays, distinctive coarse facial features, loose skin, and heart problems.”
During her normal chech on 22 January doctors found extreme swelling in her brain stem and needed to operate as soon as possible. Dixon told GLOBE POST: “She was booked for her brain surgery on 30 January but needed her to be booked in the day before just to ensure she is ready. They had found a slight infection in her bloods from the night before and was still going to proceed with the surgery as the neurosurgeon though it was not a hindrance, she then spiked a fever early morning on the 30th of January and decided they need to postpone it as there could be something wrong.”
She was placed on an antibiotic drip, but her seizure activity worsened, prompting doctors to transfer her to the CTICU on 1 February. On 3 February, surgeons successfully inserted a VP shunt to relieve pressure on her brain. “We were told everything went well, she was still very drowsy the next few days. What we thought was going to be about a 3-5 day thing in hospital turned into quite longer as baby could not cope without the hospital ventilator, but they had eventually gotten her onto our home ventilator,” said Dixon.
The ongoing hospital admissions, surgeries, specialist consultations, ICU stays, and home medical care have placed immense emotional and financial strain on the Dixon family. With mounting medical bills and the need for continuous specialised support, they are now turning to the community for help.
“She is stable at the moment and we are currently waiting for more information while she is still in hospital,” she added.
Kirsti urges community members who wish to assist they can contribute via their BackaBuddy campaign titled Eliora Medical Bills. “Every donation will go toward covering hospital expenses, specialist care, and ongoing medical needs. Any and all help would be much appreciated,” concluded Dixon.
