The Narrabri and Coonamble communities have quickly rallied around Tilly Howarth after a spinal injury has left the former Narrabri resident without sensation in the lower half of her body.
Close friend Isobel Thomson established a fundraiser with the support of family and friends of Tilly and her partner JJ. As of Wednesday morning, 480 donations had been received totalling almost $90,000.
Tilly, formerly of Narrabri and now of Coonamble, is the daughter of Matt and Kim Howarth, of Narrabri.
Tilly was taken to hospital by JJ on December 28 with severe upper back pain while 38 weeks pregnant. Shortly after arriving at the Coonamble Hospital, she had lost all feeling from the waist down.
Tilly was quickly sent to Dubbo Base Hospital for an MRI which revealed bleeding on her spine.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) was called and Tilly was flown from Dubbo to Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney.
Immediately, doctors performed an emergency caesarean to safely deliver Tilly and JJ’s daughter Philippa, and within the same surgery, Tilly was flipped over to undergo spinal decompression surgery.
During the procedure, the medical team discovered the bleeding extended from Tilly’s T1 to T8 vertebrae, which was roughly a 30cm incision.
“Multiple tests have been conducted since the initial surgery, but no one has seen a case like this before, and are unsure of what caused this abnormal bleeding to begin with,” the GoFundMe fundraiser for Tilly and JJ states.
Tilly was moved from the ICU ward into the neuro ward. She has started intensive physical therapy, learning to sit upright, and is building strength in her upper body again. At this stage she remains without feeling from her waist down, so is learning to use a wheelchair.
The new family faces a challenging path ahead, with the road to recovery for Tilly still being unknown.
Doctors estimate that Tilly will be in the Royal North Shore Hospital for at least three months, followed by rehabilitation at Ryde Hospital for anywhere from three to six months.
“Tilly’s partner, JJ has been by her side the whole way,” the GoFundMe page states.
“JJ is new to parenting life and is caring for little Pip full-time while also remaining in the hospital with Tilly. They are soon going to be facing financial challenges like medical expenses and requirements, accommodation for JJ while Tilly is in rehab as Pip needs full-time care, ongoing monthly bills, travel expenses for family, and especially the financial gap created by JJ being unable to work. Tilly has a long and unclear journey of recovery ahead of her, but is one of the toughest people we know. We are asking for your help to support JJ, Tilly and Philippa during this incredibly challenging time.
“Every donation will help relieve the financial pressure on our new favourite family, and we are deeply grateful for your generosity and support.
“If you are also able to assist in other ways, such as with accommodation in Sydney, please get in touch with one of Tilly or JJ’s family members or make a note on your donation.”
