This year’s ‘Face of the Appeal’ is Louie Hehir. As a way of saying thank you to the staff who have cared for him, both Louie and his family are lending their story to help raise funds for the Geelong Hospital Appeal and the Children’s Ward re-development. Hear Louie's story in a letter from his Mother, Veronica.

We are a family of five, Veronica and Leo along with our three fantastic kids Louie (aged10), Clancy (aged 7) and Gerry (aged 1). Each of our children bring their own unique talents and wonder to our family. We call Louie “The Ideas Man” because he comes up with great ideas for activities and projects. Clancy is “The Maker Man” because he has terrific artistic talent and helps to make it happen. Gerry is “the Dancing Man” because he loves jigging to music.

Louie was born with Chronic Renal failure. The medical staff in Melbourne and Geelong did an amazing job keeping Louie in the best health possible. In 2005 Louie had a kidney transplant from a living donor, his maternal Grandmother, Valerie Boulding. The operation was successful and his new kidney started working immediately. Because of Granny, Louie has been very lucky to avoid dialysis. Louie and Granny were both out of hospital within a week.

Since the transplant Louie has competed in The National Transplant Games in Geelong and the World Transplant Games in Queensland. The games are an opportunity to demonstrate how active people can be after transplantation and to promote the benefits of organ donation. Louie also plays basketball for The Sharks in Geelong, swims every Saturday and plays guitar.

Like most kids with an ongoing medical condition it sometimes gets tough and Louie gets angry and frustrated. The great thing about Louie is that he is able to express how he feels which helps.
All of the staff at the Geelong hospital are a fantastic support to our family. Louie is treated with care and respect by everyone and the staff make it a fun day. Clancy enjoys battling Louie over a Wii game and charming someone into giving him an orange juice or jelly. The volunteers also help our family in many ways, including taking Gerry for a walk when he tries to climb up the drip trolley! Whenever there is a need to stay overnight, the kids ward go out of their way to accommodate one of us staying with Louie.

We think the 2010 appeal to raise funds for the redevelopment of the children’s ward will help to provide facilities that match the professionalism and care provided by the staff.
Louie is living proof that organ donation works.

Veronica Hehir