William Burton meningitis baby

William Burton - misdiagnosed meningitis baby

When our beautiful three month old baby became ill, he was sent by our family doctor to Wellington Hospital on two consecutive days. Each time, he was sent home with a series of emergency department doctors and pediatricians misdiagnosing him. The third time we presented at Wellington Hospital, William went into septic shock caused by bacterial meningitis - a very serious disease that attacks and does serious damage to the brain. Will is now profoundly brain damaged, wracked by seizures and very largely immobile, deaf and blind.

Everyone who meets WIll is captured by his spirit - he has a strong presence. He loves to be cuddled, hugged and stroked, and responds well to physical contact, music and being talked to. His favorite people are definitely his grandmother, big sister Annabel and Auntie Helen.

We don't know how long our lovely boy will be with us, it may be sixth months, and it may be twenty years. Given the likely media exposure generated here, this is our one chance to raise enough funds to help him through his life and support his continued cognitive, physical and spiritual development. If Will receives enough in kind donations we will establish the William Burton Trust Fund and use this money solely for Will's betterment.