Breathing equipment needed

Umina Beach residents Sophia and Denis Cox have had a good response from the Central Coast in their drive to buy breathing equipment for their son but still need $2000.

Billy their son, just 13 weeks old, has "severe central and obstructive sleep apnoea" where Billy' breathing can become suspended, which is complicated by bad oesophageal reflux, during sleep.

At just a mere age of nine days, Billy's condition was detected when he began to turn a shade of blue in his mother's arms.

Billy has to be hooked up to a repetitive positive airways pressure machine.

Five weeks ago, Billy was flown to Sydney for the third flight since he was born.

Sophia and Denis must not leave the house, but stay home and care for Billy and their other six children who are all aged under nine.

Mr Cox said: "A lot of people have been offering to help and we have been receiving heaps of cheques in the mail.

"The community has been so good to us."

"This has gone better than we could have ever expected."

"We are now only a little bit short.

"We need around $2000 to pay for Billy's equipment.

"A very kind gentleman rang me the other day and would like to hold a fundraiser for us in January to raise the rest of the money, as Billy has to go in for an operation in February."

Mr Cox said: "My wife has been amazing. She really deserves a medal."

The Cox's moved to the Peninsula three years ago and said that the Pearl Beach Rural Fire Service, where Mr Cox is a member, helped them when he and Sophia were in hospital with baby Billy.

There is a chance that he may grow out of it by school age, but for the time being, he will need at least two operations.

This cannot be done until Billy is strong enough to survive an anaesthetic.

Billy can only survive because of the sleep apnoea monitor the family rents.

The family wishes to purchase the monitor and a generator that is on loan from the PBRFS.

If you would like to help the Cox's by making a donation, phone 4344 2462 or write to 119 Mt Ettalong Rd, Umina Beach 2257.

Lauren Brown, December 10