Hospital staff couldn’t save nine-month-old Lucas Elliot Wockner when he was found unresponsive in his cot, but thanks to the efforts of paramedics, his family got a chance to say goodbye. Now, his parents are trying to repay them.
Staff at a Toowoomba daycare centre called an ambulance when they weren’t able to wake the little boy from his nap on Thursday, May 24.
Queensland Ambulance Service arrived and a team worked tirelessly to resuscitate the boy and keep him alive before he was airlifted to Brisbane’s Lady Cilento Hospital.
Sadly, staff couldn’t save Lucas and he passed away on Friday. It is not yet known what caused his sudden loss of consciousness and ultimate death.
As utterly devastated as his parents are, they are also "very thankful" they were able to say goodbye to their little boy before he passed away. And they've decided to show their appreciation by raising money for each of the groups involved in caring for their son, via a GoFundMe page set up in Lucas' memory.
"We wish to support Queensland Ambulance Service, Toowoomba Base Hospital, Life Flight, Lady Cilento ICU and Ronald McDonald House," Kathy wrote on the page.
"We can never truly repay them for the time we spent with our dearly loved boy and the opportunity to share more love, showering him with kisses, embracing him with cuddles and sharing our appreciation for all the time he shared with us."
On Facebook, Kathy directed her family, friends and her wider community to donate to the GoFundMe page in lieu of flowers or gifts. In just three days they've already raised more than $11,000.
Kathy said the team at Lady Cilento were "amazing", however, there was "nothing more that they could do for our brave little boy".
"We still do not understand why he didn't wake from his sleep on Thursday morning, but we are so thankful for the [paramedic] team who resuscitated him so that we could have our time to say goodbye.
"He passed surrounded by all the family, for which we are very thankful."
"Any contribution you can make to assist us in giving back to the amazing organisations who made it possible for us to spend some precious time with our special baby boy would be greatly appreciated."
You can help support the various charities and organisations by donating to the GoFundMe in honour of Lucas Elliot Wockner.
If you are dealing with the loss of a child and need support, you are urged to call Red Nose on 1300 308 307.