Face of the 2008 Appeal - Thomas’ Story

Not many seven year olds can say they’ve experienced the same injury as an AFL Footballer. Little Thomas Barter is one such exception.

On 10th January 2007, Thomas suffered a severe kidney laceration after falling from his bike. It was the same injury that almost cost Geelong Cat Tom Lonergan his life.

The young boy had been visiting a friend who lived down the street when he embarked on his first ride home by himself. As his mum watched from a distance, Thomas lost his balance and was thrown over the handlebars, one of them stabbing him in his back and causing the internal damage. His mother had to carry him home because he wasn’t able to walk himself.

After a rest at home failed to help Thomas feel better and he began to vomit and pass blood, his parents rushed him to the Geelong Hospital’s Emergency Department where a team of doctors quickly identified the injury.

From his arrival at Emergency at 6:00pm, the seven year old underwent a number of scans and tests to confirm the diagnosis. By 12:30 that evening, Thomas was in a helicopter and on his way to the Royal Children’s Hospital.

The young boy spent 2 weeks in a serious condition with his father and pregnant mother by his side before he began to stabilise. It took four weeks before Thomas was able to leave hospital and finish his recovery at home. One week after returning home his kidney started bleeding again necessitating immediate surgical intervention and a further 2 weeks in hospital.

                                                                                         Above:Thomas during his stay in hospital

Thomas’ experience is helping to launch the Barwon Health Foundation’s new Geelong Hospital Appeal. His family have agreed to lend their story to help raise funds for the current priority for the Appeal – an upgraded Emergency Department that will treat over 45,000 regional residents each year – in recognition of the vital role that the facility played in helping to return Thomas to full health.

You too can lend your support to the Geelong Hospital Appeal by making a donation today. Your money will help the Barwon Health Foundation purchase pieces of equipment for the new Emergency Department or you can direct your contribution to another area within Barwon Health. Wherever you choose your donation to go, you will make a difference to the lives of people within your community when they need it most.

Give the gift of good health and help save a life.