The difference Lachlan deserves

How small moments make a big difference for kids like Lachlan 

A devastating diagnosis  

The beginning of Lachlan’s life was not what his parents expected for their beautiful new baby. Lachlan was born with chronic kidney disease and at just four months old, he went into end stage renal failure.  

Lachlan’s parents, Rebecca and Brett, were terrified. While eagerly awaiting the arrival of their third child, it never crossed their minds that their baby would be born with such severe health problems – let alone considered that providing life-saving treatment to their new baby, would become a part of their daily routine.  

Lachlan now requires regular dialysis, monitoring and rehabilitation at Queensland Children’s Hospital. Sometimes trips are quick and easy. Others can turn critical in an instant – an unexpected complication or infection can mean an immediate admission.    

The past year has been particularly difficult for Lachlan. What his family hoped would answer their wishes – a new kidney and fresh start – became another painful chapter when his little body rejected the transplant. Lachlan also recently received an official Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 3 diagnosis and is non-verbal. 

A sense of normalcy in hospital life  

During their toughest days at Queensland Children’s Hospital, the Children’s Hospital Foundation was a lifeline for the family. Lachlan and his family have managed to create positive memories and take part in special moments through our Impact Programs.  

From magical days out to Movie World, Sea World or the cinema, precious moments away from the reality of hospital life are still part of their routine.  

While Lachlan received his treatment, his sisters Charlotte and Olivia found joy and normalcy in our Kidzone playroom. Their mum, Bec, was able to take a moment to rest and recharge, knowing that Lachlan was in the safe arms of our Cuddle Care volunteers.    

One of Lachlan’s favourite things to do is listen to music, so when the Children’s Hospital Foundation introduced the family to music therapy early on in Lachlan’s treatment, it was a dream come true.  

Music therapy has made the hospital a much less daunting place to visit and helped ease Lachlan’s anxiety, providing distraction during procedures. Queensland Children’s Hospital’s music program is one of the largest in Australia, and aims to help kids with all illnesses, injuries and conditions on their road to recovery.  

Marking milestones 

Thanks to our supporters, we have funded a range of Impact Programs and experiences for families at Queensland Children’s Hospital.  Whether it’s on the ground support, in-hospital entertainment activations or exciting excursions, our Impact Programs bring a daily dose of warmth and positivity when it’s needed most. For families like Lachlan’s who are far from home, our wrap-around programs can make a hard day a little easier and a heavy moment a little lighter.  

“Children’s Hospital Foundation has become our second family. They mean the world to us and are always there – never letting us feel alone.”  

– Bec, Lachlan’s mum

While Lachlan’s journey is ongoing, he continues to make new achievements every day. Being non-verbal, Lachlan is growing more and more confident in communicating in his own way and learning how to use a communication app, and has successfully completed his first intensive block of physiotherapy.  

Lachlan does not know a life that does not revolve around treatment and hospital visits. His parents have hope for a better future, but for now, the family remain in awe of his resilience and ability to take everything in his stride – forever grateful that the Children’s Hospital Foundation have been by their side from the very beginning.  

Your support means we can continue to help sick kids like Lachlan through life-changing programs and services – because every child deserves a fighting chance.