At just four years old, Cody Wheeler has spent much of his life in hospital.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
“When he was about two we found out he had a kidney disease that means he’ll need a transplant,” said his mother Peta Zaric.
A year later, Cody was told he had a rare genetic condition that could mean any cut, scrape or cold could turn into a deadly brain infection.
Combined together, it means Cody is susceptible to an extreme form of any illness, as well as persistent dehydration and sudden seizures.
The impact of his illness is also particularly hard on his twin sister Bree.
Especially so last week, when a small bite from a horse meant that Cody needed to be rushed to emergency.
“She was distraught when he was in the ambulance. She didn’t want to leave him, he didn't want to leave her,” said Ms Zaric.
“Cody’s very aware that he’s sick but she experiences the whole emotional side. As horrible as the illness is, it’s brought them closer together,” she said.
Cody’s precarious health could mean his family celebrates this year’s Christmas from a hospital room.
But wherever they might be, they can be confident that there will be gifts beneath the tree.
Ms Zaric and the twins attended the launch of Country Hope’s Christmas gift appeal on Thursday at Beyond Bank.
Community donations delivered to the Baylis Street branch during November go to families like theirs.
“Finances don't go very far when you’re paying for medicine, specialists, accommodation and hospital parking,” said Ms Zaric.
“I honestly don’t know what we would have done without Country Hope sometimes.”