News location:

Canberra Today 12°/16° | Saturday, March 30, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Little Lucy’s the face of experience

 

Cathy and Lucy Lynch… “The doctors and nurses are wonderful. They are so easy to deal with, supportive and calm – we have got to know them so well over the years and Lucy loves going to PatCH for her tests,” says Cathy. Photo by Andrew Finch
Cathy and Lucy Lynch… “The doctors and nurses are wonderful. They are so easy to deal with, supportive and calm – we have got to know them so well over the years and Lucy loves going to PatCH for her tests,” says Cathy. Photo by Andrew Finch
LUCY Lynch was only seven months old when she was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition during a routine check-up.

Her mum, Cathy, was stunned that her seemingly healthy baby needed specialist care.

Two of Lucy’s three adrenal glands do not work normally, affecting her ability to produce a hormone called cortisol that helps the body retain salt and protect from illness and injury.

Paediatric endocrinologist Dr Tony Lafferty explained to Cathy that Lucy had congenital adrenal hyperplasia and would need medication to manage her condition for the rest of her life.

Now, aged eight, medication is part of Lucy’s everyday life, including visits to Paediatrics at Canberra Hospital (PatCH) every three months for ongoing tests.

“Lucy is now better at understanding her condition and is very good at knowing that she needs to take her medication three times a day,” says Cathy.

“Although there is no cure, we try not to make it a big deal.

Lucy Lynch, this year’s “face” of Sweet Charitea. Photo by Belle Garfath, of Belle Photography
Lucy Lynch, this year’s “face” of Sweet ChariTea. Photo by Belle Garfath, of Belle Photography
“There have been a few times when she had her immunisations, and when she had a fall at school and broke her arm that we have had to take her straight to hospital as her body can shut down under the stress and become limp and lifeless, which is a dangerous situation. We are prepared for this and also have cortisol in liquid form to inject if need be.

“The doctors and nurses are wonderful. They are so easy to deal with, supportive and calm – we have got to know them so well over the years and Lucy loves going to PatCH for her tests. She feels so comfortable there”.

Lucy is also the face of this year’s Sweet ChariTea high-tea fundraiser which aims to raise a record $20,000 for PatCH on Sunday, July 12.

In its third year, Sweet ChariTea promises a decadent sit-down high tea, glittering diamond raffle prizes and hot entertainment including salsa dancing, burlesque opera and fashion parades – all in support of PatCH.

Organiser Kartika Medcraft says her organising committee and army of volunteers are busily putting the finishing touches to the event.

Lucy is delighted to be the face of Sweet ChariTea, having attended the past two events with Cathy as special guests.

“She is so excited!” says Cathy. “It is wonderful for Lucy to be involved with such a special event. If you haven’t been before, I encourage you to see what it’s all about and how it helps kids like Lucy.”

Sweet ChariTea 2015, The Abbey, Gold Creek, 12.30pm-5pm, Sunday, July 12. Tickets via eventbrite.com.au, more information at facebook.com/sweetcharitea.

 

Who can be trusted?

In a world of spin and confusion, there’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in Canberra.

If you trust our work online and want to enforce the power of independent voices, I invite you to make a small contribution.

Every dollar of support is invested back into our journalism to help keep citynews.com.au strong and free.

Become a supporter

Thank you,

Ian Meikle, editor

Share this

Leave a Reply

Related Posts

Follow us on Instagram @canberracitynews