Tiahn’s 230-Night Stay in SCHF

While most 17-year-olds celebrate the new -found freedom of earning their provisional driver license, Tiahn spent over 230 days in hospital (SCHF) recovering from two major abdominal surgeries.

Tiahn was born with a chronic condition called gastroparesis. This condition affects muscles around her stomach, they are too weak to process food normally. This means Tiahn spends 18 hours every day connected to a pump, so she can receive the nutrients and hydration her body needs through a nasogastric tube.

The reality for Tiahn, the pain of eating a burger from the local food court with friends simply isn’t worth it. She can’t enjoy a birthday cake or a Sunday roast. Yet despite all the challenges Tiahn has and continues to face, she remains her bubbly and vibrant self.

In 2022, Tiahn had two major operations to fix her compressed small intestine. Her seven-month recovery on the Wade Ward at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead was long and hard. But during her stay, Tiahn remained positive and made the most of the small moments – always having a chat with those around her and dressing up as Eleven from Stranger Things for the hospital’s annual Party Day.

Tiahn says, “The nurses on Wade Ward were truly the best part of my experience. I will never forget when the Nurse Unit Manager, Gabi, organised a surprise message from the cast of my favourite musical, The Phantom of the Opera. It’s one of my favourite memories and made my year.”

While Tiahn’s journey has been challenging and is ongoing, she is incredibly grateful to have the support of her family and the gastroenterology department at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

At Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation (SCHF), we’re dedicated to ensuring every child’s health and happiness. With your help, we can continue providing essential healthcare services and supporting children’s well-being here and worldwide. We invite you to consider leaving a gift in your Will to SCHF, ensuring a legacy of hope for future generations. Your generosity will make a world of difference.

SCHF is pleased to partner with Safewill to offer you the opportunity to write your online Will for $80 (usually $160). To learn more, scan the QR code. Alternatively, you can contact us on 1800 770 122, [email protected] or visit www.schf.org.au/gift-in-will