THE Bendigo Health fundraising foundation is in its second week of its Christmas appeal to help children like Mackenzie Rowe (pictured), who have cerebral palsy.
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The appeal aims to raise enough money to purchase peadiatric equipment for a new hydrotherapy pool in the redeveloped Bendigo Hospital Rehabilitation Centre.
E-gift cards are being sold this year to help gather enough funds to cover a special fit-out of the pool, and equipment for a mini-gym for kids.
Mackenzie is 21 months old and has been undergoing rehabilitation therapy since she was three months of age. She is like many other children at Bendigo Health's rehabilitation services, where two-thirds of patients have cerebral palsy.
Her mother Melita said the work in the pool helped Mackenzie a lot.
"Our physiotherapist, Suzie, is all about the good and the bad, she really celebrates the milestones with us,'' she said.
"Recently Mackenzie learned to point out things and Suzie really made a big deal about this seemingly small but really important achievement."
Melita said Mackenzie had a rough start to life, following a difficult birth, and had been taken to Melbourne's Royal Children's hospital at only a few hours old.
"Nothing can prepare you for your newborn baby being airlifted to Melbourne, she experienced seizures for three days. We felt blindsided more than anything,'' she said.
Mackenzie was well enough to return to Bendigo Health two weeks later and has since grown into a happy toddler who enjoys spending time in the water.
Her family has shared her story to help the Christmas appeal efforts. Earlier this month, another young patient - Teale Hammond - helped launch the annual fundraiser for 2021.
To support the appeal you can buy a $25 virtual Christmas e-card to let somebody in your life know you've made a donation on their behalf.
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