JAYDA Kentish will give back to the hospital and staff who have helped her when she participates in Run Ballarat on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The eight-year-old has had 32 surgeries, spending a lot of time in the Ballarat Health Services’ children’s ward, as well as the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne
Run Ballarat has attracted thousands of people to unite to run or walk the city courses, with all of the event proceeds going towards the redevelopment of the children’s ward, with construction expected to start in 2016.
Jayda was born with a tumor at the base of her spine, which was removed when she was five days old.
As a result, she now suffers from a neuropathic bladder and bowel and has to relieve herself through a catheter every two hours.
Jayda’s mother, Marnie Kentish, said as much as it did impact their day-to-day routine, Jayda did not let it affect her quality of life.
She said Jayda had made a plate, and without prompting or hesitation had put on it the quote “Be the best you can be”. “That just sums her up,” Ms Kentish said.
She said Jayda’s diagnosis was ongoing, unless a surgery was developed to cure the problem.
They regularly go to Melbourne for check-ups and attend BHS’ emergency ward and children’s ward.
“We want to get involved to help the organisation and community that helps us,” Ms Kentish said.
Ms Kentish also plans to sit on the parent advisory board for the redevelopment of the children’s ward, after an invitation from the ward manager.
“You don’t know you’ll end up spending a lot of time there.”
Jayda said she wanted to help the hospital.
“All the money raised goes to the hospital, and lots of people go into hospital.”
Jayda will run in the Cotton On Kids one-kilometre run. There is also a 12-kilometre run, and a six-kilometre walk or run.
nicole.cairns@fairfaxmedia.com.au
