Ericka Swaney
A Walk For Esther
In the lead up to the 2018 Surf Coast, we will be sharing stories from our Trekkers to learn why they have decided to take on this epic challenge. This is Ericka’s story.
Ericka is participating in the 2018 Surf Coast Trek for a number of different reasons. However her main drive has been her gorgeous daughter Esther.
“On the 27th of September, when Esther was six days old, we took her to Geelong Hospital because she stopped feeding and was vomiting a lot. They found that she had an intraventricular haemorrhage (bleeding in her brain) and hydrocephalus (too much fluid on her brain). She was transferred to the Royal Children’s Hospital that night and received neurosurgery in the morning.
“After 44 days in hospital and 3 brain surgeries we finally got to come home! Due to the long time spent in hospital and the amount of pressure on her brain, Esther is needing ongoing therapy, which she is able to receive from Kids Plus Foundation free of charge and so close to home. We are only at the start of our journey with Kids Plus but they have already been amazing in helping with Esthers development and supporting us through a lot of unknowns“.
It is for this reason that Ericka has decided to partake in Surf Coast Trek. To raise funds Ericka has set up a Facebook page encouraging people to donate and “added friends and family to the group to keep them updated on any upcoming fundraising events, progress so far and also updates on Esther’s rehab with Kids Plus. This way they can see how their donations are helping. I will be holding some fundraising events in the New Year, I have been overwhelmed by the quick response from people! I am already on $370! My new target is $1000 and I am hoping with some fundraisers next year I will be able to make this.”
Having participated in the Oxfam 100km walk three times, Ericka is feeling prepared for the physical challenge element of Surf Coast Trek. “I love the outdoors, being active and challenging myself so am really looking forward to walking along our beautiful coastline. I am looking forward to meeting other people on the Trek and the atmosphere. I absolutely love the surf coast walk and look forward to enjoying the scenery”.