Upon the arrival of their newborn son, Archie, Josh Roberts and Katelyn Galea experienced immense joy. Little did they anticipate that their healthy baby would soon be facing a life-threatening situation.
Their world was turned upside down when they observed Archie’s mouth taking on a greyish hue following what initially seemed like a minor ear infection. Without understanding the gravity of the situation, they promptly rushed him to the hospital, embarking on a 40-minute drive that seemed to stretch on indefinitely.
Upon reaching the hospital, medical professionals quickly noticed that Archie’s fingers had turned purple, indicating that whatever affliction he was facing was rapidly spreading throughout his body.
Without hesitation, he was placed on a ventilator, and doctors conducted a series of tests. The results revealed that Archie was suffering from a potentially deadly meningococcal infection, a condition caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis.
Tragically, illnesses stemming from this bacteria can prove fatal, encompassing infections of the brain and spinal cord linings (meningitis) as well as bloodstream infections.
Archie’s condition was grave, necessitating aggressive treatment with antibiotics and blood transfusions. The outlook appeared bleak, leaving doctors uncertain of his chances for survival.
“This is something you only read about in the paper or see in the news. You would never expect it to hit someone so healthy and so happy,” Archie’s father shared on Facebook. “This is one of the hardest times I have ever had to deal with. I have never loved something or someone with such passion and love. It doesn’t matter if you are the toughest person on this planet walking into that hospital room and seeing you like this rips me apart.”
After some time, Archie’s condition stabilized, and he was successfully taken off the ventilator. However, his recovery process spanned several months, during which the medical bills continued to accumulate, placing financial strain on his parents.
Fortunately, once Archie’s story gained widespread attention, generous donors contributed to a GoFundMe campaign, ultimately raising AUD 15,000—more than the family had initially requested.
Thanks to the outpouring of support and Archie’s resilient spirit, he ultimately triumphed over the infection and was able to return home.
Today, Archie is on the path to recovery, although he is still undergoing treatment to fully regain his health.
His parents express deep gratitude to all those who offered support during their family’s most challenging times. Above all, they are thankful for Archie’s remarkable resilience and determination.
As he continues to make strides in his recovery journey, Archie’s progress is evident each day. While he may never recall the ordeal he faced, his fighting spirit remains an inspiring testament to his strength and resilience.