We spent last Christmas in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH) with our beautiful premature baby boy, Josiah Kenneth Codrington. He was born on 5 December at just 24 weeks and 4 days after being diagnosed with Severe Intrauterine Growth Restriction. Josiah was tiny but so mighty. From the moment he arrived, he amazed every doctor and nurse with his strength and spirit.
And on Christmas morning, we received the greatest gift: Josiah had his very first skin-to-skin cuddle with his dad, Josh. In the midst of uncertainty and machines, it was a moment of pure love and connection and one we’ll treasure forever, along with the beautiful Christmas card made by the NICU team with Josiah’s handprints in it.
Caring for premature babies like Josiah is one of the most expensive areas of healthcare, costing up to $10,000 a day. But families like ours are never handed a bill – we’re only given compassion and unwavering support. Christmas Day was filled with hope and expert care – all made possible by the extraordinary NICU team at RNSH.
Sadly, Josiah is no longer with us. This year, in Josiah’s name, we’re asking you to consider donating to the NORTH Foundation. Your gift helps other families like ours in hospital to receive the same love and care we did with our precious Josiah.
Thank you for helping us honour his memory and for making a difference to the future of healthcare.
Jess & Josh Codrington
Forever Josiah’s Mum & Dad
