Donation a touching legacy
Keryn was known to those around her for her love of life and putting other's needs before her own. A beloved mother and friend, she made it her mission to spread happiness to everyone in her presence.
When her life was cut unexpectedly and tragically short, it left a huge hole in the family. Her daughter, Sarah, was seven months pregnant at the time.
An only child, Sarah was incredibly close to her mum, visiting or speaking to her almost every day. As first-time parents, she and her partner Brett rallied together to focus on the upcoming birth of their first baby.
Baby Wesley arrived at the Joan Kirner Women's and Children's just a few short months after Keryn's untimely passing. At a time that should be filled with joy and excitement, the young family faced yet another obstacle. After a relatively straight forward and healthy pregnancy, it came as a surprise that Wesley struggled to breathe when he entered the world. As a result, Wesley spent his first three days in the special care nursery.
A touching gesture from hospital volunteers helped the couple through this stressful time. Volunteers had sewn 'hearts' in which parents could wear and leave with their baby in the nursery. Whilst it might seem like a small token, the gesture of leaving their heart with their scent with Wesley, left a big impression on the new parents.
Fast track to a few months later where the family were well settled at home. They began considering the best way to create a legacy to pay tribute to Keryn, their late mother/mother in law and grandmother. The couple decided a generous donation to the Joan Kirner Women's and Children's would leave a lifetime connection to Keryn and the grandchild she was looking forward to meeting.
"We thought it was fitting to make a donation as a tribute to her and the amazing support and care we had at the Joan Kirner Women's and Children's," said Sarah
"We loved the idea of connecting her legacy in some way with Wesley. She was so excited about becoming a grandmother."
