ManlyBacker
Winging it
A precious premature baby’s determination to live has helped former Manly ground announcer, radio personality Grant Goldman and his wife Manel to cherish each day.
Former Sea Eagles ground announcer Grant Goldman with his wife Manel and daughter Alexandria. Picture: ANNIKA ENDERBORG ~PP38904
``My lowest ebb was when the doctor at Royal North Shore Hospital told us it would be best to let her go, they felt she was too small,’’ Mr Goldman recalled.
``It hit home then the heartache some parents have to go through.
``But Alexandria is a fighter, we were always going to do everything to give her quality of life.’’
And so the battle began.
When Manel’s water broke suddenly, off she went to hospital.
After a series of tests she had to compose herself after being informed she was having her baby in a matter of hours.
Stunned wasn’t the word.
Alexandria Mary Goldman entered the world on July 8 last year, weighing in at 598 grams.
After she was delivered in just 23 minutes complications soon followed.
In the early hours of July 13, Alexandria developed a life-threatening condition a perforated bowel.
She was then rushed to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead where she spent 5 weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit.
This all came about from a service that doesn’t have the standing in society that it deserves Neonatal Emergency Transport Services, commonly known as NETS.
``The work these guys do, you can’t put it in words,’’ Manel said. ``It was always touch and go. Both of us made sure we stayed positive.’’
At 26 weeks, Alexandria faced her second major obstacle an operation that clipped her heart duct closed.
She soon began to tolerate feeds, and was then shifted back to Royal North Shore to be incubated by steroids.
By the time August ticked over, Alexandria’s health was on the rise, only to then be told she required further surgery.
And it was hardly a routine procedure it involved 2000 zaps in each eye on September 19.
After her bowel was reconnected in early November, she was given a clean bill of health by numerous doctors, who dubbed her a ``modern-day miracle’’.
Next step was life at Bayview with her devoted parents.
``It was a very harrowing time,’’ Grant said.
``Speaking to other parents who had to plan their kids’ funerals, I couldn’t think of a worse scenario.
``We both feel blessed every day. She is our little angel.’’
Next Thursday a dinner is being staged at NSW Parliament House in Macquarie St, recognising the astounding work done by NETS.
Tickets are available by emailing
[email protected] or by calling 0414 401 516.
Discounts apply for tables of 10.
Numerous silent and stage auctions featuring Sea Eagles memorabilia will be up for grabs, with Grant the natural choice as MC on the night.
Former Sea Eagles ground announcer Grant Goldman with his wife Manel and daughter Alexandria. Picture: ANNIKA ENDERBORG ~PP38904
``My lowest ebb was when the doctor at Royal North Shore Hospital told us it would be best to let her go, they felt she was too small,’’ Mr Goldman recalled.
``It hit home then the heartache some parents have to go through.
``But Alexandria is a fighter, we were always going to do everything to give her quality of life.’’
And so the battle began.
When Manel’s water broke suddenly, off she went to hospital.
After a series of tests she had to compose herself after being informed she was having her baby in a matter of hours.
Stunned wasn’t the word.
Alexandria Mary Goldman entered the world on July 8 last year, weighing in at 598 grams.
After she was delivered in just 23 minutes complications soon followed.
In the early hours of July 13, Alexandria developed a life-threatening condition a perforated bowel.
She was then rushed to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead where she spent 5 weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit.
This all came about from a service that doesn’t have the standing in society that it deserves Neonatal Emergency Transport Services, commonly known as NETS.
``The work these guys do, you can’t put it in words,’’ Manel said. ``It was always touch and go. Both of us made sure we stayed positive.’’
At 26 weeks, Alexandria faced her second major obstacle an operation that clipped her heart duct closed.
She soon began to tolerate feeds, and was then shifted back to Royal North Shore to be incubated by steroids.
By the time August ticked over, Alexandria’s health was on the rise, only to then be told she required further surgery.
And it was hardly a routine procedure it involved 2000 zaps in each eye on September 19.
After her bowel was reconnected in early November, she was given a clean bill of health by numerous doctors, who dubbed her a ``modern-day miracle’’.
Next step was life at Bayview with her devoted parents.
``It was a very harrowing time,’’ Grant said.
``Speaking to other parents who had to plan their kids’ funerals, I couldn’t think of a worse scenario.
``We both feel blessed every day. She is our little angel.’’
Next Thursday a dinner is being staged at NSW Parliament House in Macquarie St, recognising the astounding work done by NETS.
Tickets are available by emailing
[email protected] or by calling 0414 401 516.
Discounts apply for tables of 10.
Numerous silent and stage auctions featuring Sea Eagles memorabilia will be up for grabs, with Grant the natural choice as MC on the night.
