James & Dakota's Thank You

I am getting active for the Children's Hospital Foundation

Dakota's Story:

On 4th February 2026, my wife and I (James) noticed our 7 month old daughter's right ear was protruding something fierce. I did a quick search online and found the answer we would get from the doctors later that day. Dakota had mastoiditis which is a swelling of the bone behind the ear which is something very concerning for young ones, but easily diagnosed and treatable. Unfortunately, the city in which we reside did not have the ability to treat it.

After a sleepless night in our local hospital, Dakota, along with myself, were transported by the Royal Flying Doctor to the Children's Hospital in Brisbane, QLD. We were given a 5kg baggage limit between the two of us (this is important for later). Nurse Maddie sat with us on the plane and spent an hour trying to calm down Dakota who started fussing soon after take off. After landing, we were met by paramedics who transported us via ambulance. 

Dakota went into a successful surgery that night and came out okay. The doctors wanted Dakota to stay in the hospital for observation for a few days. We started to run out of clean clothes and supplies quite quickly due to small bag we packed and shared. This is where the Children's Hospital Foundation came in.

A volunteer came to Dakota's hospital room and explained who they were and what they were able to assist with. They had supplies, clothing and toys. Dakota is a sleep suit baby and the one she was wearing was stained black by the time we met the Foundation. The Foundation was able to supply a brand new sleep suit for Dakota and some much need hygiene supplies for myself. A volunteer also shooed me away so I could have a much needed coffee break and they played with Dakota.

As I walked through the hospital, I saw many young ones who had it so much worse. But the hospital staff along with the Foundation were there to do what they could to keep the children smiling.

The doctors told us they wanted Dakota to stay in Brisbane for another week so she was close if she had a relapse or she got worse. We were given accommodation at a local Ronald McDonald Charity House. The Foundation was there to help when needed.

This fundraiser is mine and Dakota's way of saying Thank You to the Foundation and every staff member and volunteer who are doing heroes work.

Our goal is $1,000 by the end of April 2026. Starting from the beginning of this fundraiser to its end, I will be walking with Dakota, along with my family, every day. I will set an achievable goal of 100km but we hope to beat that by a lot!

Thank you for reading Dakota's story and we hope you will be able to support the Children's Hospital Foundation so they can keep doing what they've been doing.

James & Dakota