ON Friday, an auction at the Royal Hotel could make a big difference in the life of one young hero battling a rare disease and his family.
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Seth Ward is 11 years old and lives with a severe kidney condition. The owners of the Royal have decided in agreement with the Ward family to hold an auction to help defray the high costs of Seth’s ongoing treatments and future surgeries.
Seth was born at the ‘Royal Hospital For Women’, Randwick. His mother Kate was under the care of the ‘at-risk pregnancy’ nurse.
Kate said the fear of the unknown for a first-time mum was natural, but when you know in advance that the prognosis is not offering an easy-road, those feelings are intensified.
Seth came into the world at full-term, assisted by a specialist paediatrician and high risk nurses. He was born with grade 5 Kidney Reflux and a condition known as Prune Belly Syndrome. He underwent his first surgery at only 8 days of age.
The next eight and a half months saw a series of surgeries on his bladder and kidneys. His kidney function was almost zero at birth but today, after being on life support, surviving death three times and 30 surgeries, his function has risen to an easy-to-live-with level.
Kate said Seth’s condition is so rare and unpredictable, life with his particular condition can throw their life into action at the drop of a hat.
“What he has, very few people in the world actually have, and so the doctors don’t really know how to treat it,” Kate said.
“But when he goes down-he can be running around doing what ever he is, and all of a sudden, we’re halfway to Brisbane. It’s a very quick come-on thing.”
Seth’s bladder, bowels, prostate, pancreas and kidneys don’t function as they should.
Nevertheless, Kate said nothing keeps her son down.
“Seth is an active, fun-loving, eager-to-learn and try-new-things ‘tweenager’ who enjoys cups of tea, avocado, reading, playing chess, the Roosters, riding pushbikes and motorbikes,” Kate said.
“He’s a movie and music buff, loves to sing, talk to Jesus, play the cornet and ‘Minecraft’.”
Seth’s next surgery is scheduled for early next year when the temporary stents will be replaced. He will also be having major ureteric surgery at a future date.
Kate gave big thanks to the medical professionals who are guiding the way for the family and Seth’s health.
“His specialist, Dr David Winkle at the Mater Children’s Hospital in Brisbane, along with his wonderful team of nurses, urologists and nephrologists, work on each problem as it arises. His local doctor, Dr Botes, offers per cent support.
“Seth considers each one his friend. He has a dream to become a doctor.”
The Wards cannot thank the amazing ‘Royal Family’ and friends enough for arranging the ‘fun day’ held earlier this year, and the auction to assist with medical costs.
The auction to assist the Ward family with medical expenses and Seth Ward to a healthy future will be held on Friday night, 7pm at the Royal Hotel.
A wide-range of gifts and vouchers donated range from business all over Inverell include handcrafted jewellery, toys, home wares, tasty food, make-up kits, mulch and topsoil for the spring garden and more.
For information, contact the Royal Hotel on 6722 2811.