It was an otherwise ‘normal’ Wednesday afternoon for the Kennedy family last year when 10-year-old Zeke received an horrific - and rare - internal injury.
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Zeke fell from his BMX bike and landed with such force on an upright handlebar that he caused serious, and potentially fatal, damage to his pancreas.
What resulted was a nine-week stay in The Canberra Hospital’s paediatric department, months of scans and blood tests, and meetings with baffled doctors. Zeke was eventually diagnosed with a Grade 3 traumatic pancreatic transaction including damage to the main pancreatic duct.
Mum Kristy Kennedy describes her middle son Zeke as “an absolute champ”.
“He had nasal feeding tubes that didn’t work, picc line insertions, morphine pumps - you name it, he has done it,” Kristy says.
“But most inspiring of all, he did it with a smile on his face and the most amazing manners I have ever witnessed in a 10-year-old boy who is still so very, very sick.
“The journey is long and hard, and a lot is unknown about Zeke's condition but in our eyes we are the lucky ones. Some people won't take their kids home, some will never hear their kids talk or see them walk.”
Zeke is one of hundreds of Canberra kids who inspire the annual Sweet ChariTea event, a fundraiser that directly benefits TCH’s paediatrics unit.
Since its inception in 2013, the Sweet ChariTea events have raised $102,000 for the children’s unit, including last year’s record-breaking $27,000 used to fund a new sensory therapeutic garden in the children at risk unit.
While Zeke Kennedy’s stays in the TCH paediatric department are intermittent, other patients like Harry Irvine have spent a good stretch of their lives in hospital.
Harry was born with a large tumour on the base of his spine, “which has taken him on a bumpy ride” according to mum Lauren.
Harry was a kidney recipient in 2015 but still requires regular visits to TCH for monitoring.
“Harry has an infectious smile and the bubbliest personality - he’s always happy even when he’s unwell,” Lauren says.
“My husband Brendan and [Harry’s brother] Cooper are the best help for Harry and I when Harry’s not well.
"They get it like no one else can, and we equally get what they’re going through too."
The theme of this year’s Sweet ChariTea event is ‘At the movies’ and organisers have about 80 tickets left of the 250 available. Tickets are still available for The Little Mermaid, The Wizard of Oz and Beetlejuice tables, among others.
“It’s just an incredible afternoon with entertainment, live auctions, delicious afternoon tea and so much love in the air,” organiser Kartika Medcraft says.
“People totally get into the theme of their table and dress up - its’s amazing.”
Sweet ChariTea 'At the movies', Sunday September 16, from 12.45pm. The Abbey function centre, Nicholls. Tickets $98 each and available at www.eventbrite.com.au
