Rugby league has a star on its hands whenever nine-year-old Dakota takes to the field. The energetic, keen runner loves the sport and is a big fan of the Rabbitohs.
Lately, though she’s spent more time in hospital than out playing with her teammates and friends.
What began as an ear infection earlier this year, sadly progressed to a severe infection in the bone. Dakota underwent surgery to clear the painful infection. After recovering from the operation, Dakota was well enough to go home with a course of antibiotics.
Unfortunately, the ear infection returned, and she was re-admitted to hospital where doctors removed and replaced a blocked ear grommet.
Back home, Dakota was in a lot of pain again, not sleeping and had no appetite.
Dakota has had ear issues since she was a baby, but her mum Amy said her daughter was really struggling. “Dakota is usually so bubby and tries not to let the pain get to her, but I could see she was really unwell.”
Dakota was back in hospital again where tests revealed the infection to be antibiotic-resistant. She was placed on an IV drip to try and fight off the infection.
The upheaval of being in and out of hospital was hard on the whole family. Dakota missed her friends at school, as well as her younger sister Ruby and older brother Kingston.
“All our routines had to change,” Amy said. “There was no certainty with Dakota’s diagnosis or treatment. It’s impacted her school routine, sport routine, extended family and social interactions. We just have to go day by day.”
Amid so much worry and uncertainty, Starlight has been a constant source of fun and happiness for Dakota and her family.
“Dakota is in the Starlight Express Room from open to close every day she’s in hospital!” her mum says. “She's such a social child so needs that social interaction and to get out of the ward for a break and a breather.”
Dakota loves getting involved in all the activities in the Starlight Express Room from arts, crafts and painting. She also enjoys playing Switch games, Minecraft, UNO and Bingo with the Captains.
The Captain Starlights also visit Dakota on the hospital wards which helps break up the long days when she’s too unwell to leave. They also bring a much-needed smile to Dakota’s face when she the attends the ENT clinics for ongoing appointments.
Pleasingly, Dakota has just started to respond well to the treatment in hospital and her pain levels are now improving.
While it’s been a frustrating and painful couple of months Dakota has kept her spirits up and was able to attend her school sports day recently and even came home with a first-place ribbon in running!
“Having the Captains and Starlight Express Room has helped Dakota so much. As a mum, you forget you're in hospital - time flies in there with all the fun and in such a relaxed environment. We are so fortunate it exists here in Darwin; hospital would have been a really hard time without Starlight.”
