BRENDAN'S WISH TO SWIM WITH A DOLPHIN

Some time ago Brendan was asked by the "Make-A-Wish Foundation" if he had a special wish, what would it be? Brendan said that his wish was to swim with dolphins with his family. Brendan's wish came true in early November.

Brendan and his family flew to Coffs Harbour for a week. The week consisted of accommodation in a beautiful resort, lots of sight seeing adventures and the opportunity to swim with dolphins at the Pet Porpoise Pool in Coffs Harbour. The whole week was amazing and we had a great time just being together and having a relaxing holiday.

The highlight of the week was when we all got to join Brendan in a pool to swim, play and touch some very beautiful dolphins. Brendan got to do the one thing he really wanted which was to hang onto a dolphin's fin and go for a ride.

Brendan holding onto a dolphin's fin and going for a ride.

Playing ball.

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Having a cuddle

Body-boarding on a dolphin's tummy

Brendan had a really magical time. We spent about an hour in the pool with several dolphins at different times. All the dolphins were happy, affectionate and pushy. They love having their tongues rubbed and feel like soft bouncy rubber. Brendan's wish could not have come true without the kindness of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. We cannot thank them enough for the amazing experience of swimming with Brendan with the dolphins.

Transplant news

A few days after returning from Brendan's wish I took Brendan to see his doctor as I was concerned about his health. Brendan's health has deteriorated and he is now needing a transplant as soon as possible. His doctor is doing what he can to ensure that there is a bed for him at Sydney Children's Hospital in January. If this is not possible then he is going to look elsewhere for a bed in a transplant room for him. His little body is covered in bruises and sores. He is very anaemic and very skinny. He has a very short fuse with everyone and has slowed down dramatically. He still has the occasional burst of little boy energy and behaviour. Our greatest concern at the moment is that he will start to bleed and we will not be able to stop it. The platelets which help clot his blood are dangerously low. It is very difficult to keep a 6 year old boy 'wrapped in cotton wool'. If it can be climbed or hung off, Brendan will do it. Unfortunately even the smallest of bumps cause Brendan to bruise. Our happy little fellow is still there but we are seeing less and less of him. For now we wait and hope for a bed soon and keep him as safe as we can. I hope for a hospital free Christmas. I will keep everyone informed as best I can over the following weeks. Brendan will begin to be prepared for his transplant in Adelaide so we will be busy with hospital visits. I will keep everyone posted.

lBrendan and his family would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas and a very happy new yearl