Many people may find it hard to imagine that they would ever need the Flying Doctor. It's not until that fateful day they feel tightness in their chest on a family holiday or their car slides on a wet country road that they might even consider the possibility. Unfortunately for people suffering from long term illness in remote and regional Australia, it's a daily consideration; they have the Flying Doctor on speed dial.
Jaxon McInerney is 16 years old and lives on Belvedere Station near Bourke, New South Wales. Jaxon, unlike his four siblings, was born with Marfan Syndrome. Marfan Syndrome is a genetic disorder of the connective tissue characterised by disproportionately long limbs, long thin fingers, a relatively tall stature, and a predisposition to cardiovascular abnormalities, specifically those affecting the heart valves and aorta.
During an 18 month period in 2005 and 2006, Jaxon's condition deteriorated. He required life saving spinal and heart surgery in Sydney. The RFDS transported him to and from Sydney to see his specialist and undergo surgery at the Children's Hospital at Westmead. Even though this was very stressful time for them, Jodi viewed it with inspiring optimism. She said, “The pilots were wonderful; it was a really rich time in our lives. We have come across caring and compassionate people who do a magnificent job. When you're going through times of grief, the one thing that makes it so precious is the people you meet and the relationships you make along the way.”
The RFDS does not just provide transport and medical supervision when Jaxon becomes ill. We also provide the McInerney's with a medical chest in case Jaxon requires an emergency shot of a life-saving drug and an over the phone GP consultation service for the whole family.
For the first time since his heart surgery, Jaxon has been able to do things like other 16 year old kids. He is relishing being able to join in activities like basketball and shooting hoops, his favourite pastime!
Jodi told us that the biggest disadvantage to living in the Outback is the distance between them and the specialist treatment Jaxon needs to stay alive. The Flying Doctor, in partnership with hospitals in major cities and regional GPs, creates a lifeline for the McInerney family to help bridge that gap.
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Pictured here: Jaxon and his family