When one of Bolinda Primary School’s 41 pupils is sick, the whole community feels it.
So it didn’t go unnoticed when seven-year-old Max Taylor was admitted to the Royal Children’s Hospital last month for heart surgery.
Max, who is in grade two, was born with a rare heart condition, which means he has had regular treatments and countless hospital visits in his short life so far.
Bolinda Primary’s newly appointed principal Stuart Telford said the school’s close-knit community is throwing its arms around the family, with a fundraiser for HeartKids’ Sweetheart Day appeal today (February 14).
Sweetheart Day raises money for research into childhood heart disease, with health statistics showing that eight babies are born with a heart defect every day in Australia.
Mr Telford said students had decorated the school’s front fence with ribbons and blue hearts holding messages of support for Max.
“We’re only a little school, but we’re doing some great things here,” Mr Telford said. “The kids are really happy to come to school … the beauty of a small school is it’s like a big family.
“It doesn’t go unnoticed that Max hasn’t been in class. That’s why when we heard about the HeartKids organisation, we didn’t hesitate to get on board with the appeal.”
Saint John’s Ambulance paramedics will give first aid demonstrations and the local Lions club is donating a defibrillator to the school.
The kids have also rallied around Max’s sister Lili, who’s in grade six, Mr Telford said. “Everyone’s thoughts are focused on the family and on Max’s recovery, but we also don’t forget Lili, who is playing a role in raising awareness about her brother’s condition.”
Donate to HeartKids online: bit.ly/2koACDi
