Baby Lucky finally back home in Australia after medical evacuation
The mother of an Australian baby who was stranded in Bali with a bacterial infection before being flown home for specialist treatment has choked back tears as she thanked the public for helping her family during their darkest days.
Baby Lucky captured the hearts of the world last month when her mother, Honey Ahimsa, made a desperate attempt to get her then seven-week-old daughter back to Australia for life-saving treatment that was not available in Indonesia.
Lucky was diagnosed with sepsis, severe pneumonia, lung failure and RSV bronchiolitis after being rushed to a hospital in Bali on Feb. 8.
She was medically evacuated to Brisbane five days later on February 13, with a 50 percent survival rate, while her family raised more than $100,000 in bills to keep her alive.
The medical pick-up flight from Bali to Brisbane cost $106,000, while the family earned between $5,000 and $8,000 a day on the baby’s medical care in Bali.
Lucky’s story made international headlines as people from all over the world donated money and sent well wishes to the family as they fought to get her home.
An online charity fundraiser raised more than $190,000 within a few days of its launch.
Lucky was finally released from hospital in Australia on Sunday and made her live television debut this morning in the arms of her relieved mother at Sunrise.
Honey Ahimsa has given a heartwarming update on baby Lucky (pictured Tuesday)
“There are really just no words for it, just complete gratitude and disbelief,” Ms Ahisma told Sunrise.
She admitted that the past month had taken a toll on her and her partner Pan, not knowing if their precious baby would survive.
Mrs. Ahimsa became emotional as she reflected on the harrowing ordeal.
“I really know how to put it into words, but I can say that I feel like I’ve been given a second chance at life,” she said.
“I honestly don’t think I could have made it because it was so painful.
“I don’t understand how people have the strength to get through something when it doesn’t work out that way.”
Honey and her partner Pan have spent the past month by their baby’s hospital bed, not knowing if she would survive
Wonderbaby Lucky wants to be in her mother’s arms all the time after her fight for life
Little Lucky is doing well after her desperate struggle for life.
“She just wants to be in my arms,” Ms. Ahimsa said.
“If I keep it quiet for a second, she’s really freaking out, so she’s feeling a little traumatized by the whole ordeal.”
“She just wants to know that she is loved and safe right now more than anything.
Darling Ahimsa swallowed tears as she remembered how close she had lost Lucky
Ms Ahimsa said the money raised saved her baby’s life and shed tears as she thanked Australia for their overwhelming support.
“Thank you very much from the bottom of our hearts.
“You saved our daughter’s life. I don’t think a thank you would ever really be enough.
“You saved this pretty little girl and she’s here because of you.”
It comes after Ms Ahimsa gave a heartwarming update on her daughter’s condition on Sunday.
“Best news – Lucky Love is home,” she posted.
Lucky has been released from the hospital. She has not fully recovered yet, although doctors have said she is well enough to continue her recovery at home.
“It’s also more dangerous for her to stay in the hospital because the chances of her getting another infection in that environment are high.
“We are blown away by how blessed we have been to allow our baby to survive when the odds were against her.
“She is a true miracle baby and a pillar of love (and) hope for all to see.”
Little Lucky (pictured before she fell ill) is on medication after being released from the hospital