Kirah Crook and her family have experienced first-hand the impact Run Newcastle has had on the John Hunter Children’s Hospital.
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That is why they were keen to show their support for the community event by taking part this Sunday.
The $372,000 raised by Run Newcastle since it first began in 2013 has gone towards the redevelopment of the Adolescent ward of the John Hunter Children's Hospital.
In particular, two new single patient rooms with additional furnishings for parents have been built and two four-bed patient rooms have also just been unveiled.
All rooms have been modernised with technology and artworks to help children in hospital feel more at home.
Over 1100 young people aged 12-18 years are admitted to the Adolescent Ward each year, due to a variety of illnesses and injuries, with a length of stay ranging from a couple of days to many months.
Kirah Crook was first diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, which is an inflammation of the bowel and has no current cure, at the age of five.
She has had multiple surgeries and multiple stays at the hospital. The disease has also caused stricturing (narrowing) in parts of her body, which means the 13-year-old needs ongoing surgeries to alleviate the symptoms.
Kirah also requires frequent injections and drug therapies.
The brave teenager’s family live at Tumbi Umbi on the Central Coast but spend a lot of time in Newcastle either at hospital or visiting family as both parents, Catherine and Damien, grew up in the region.
Kirah’s mum said taking part in Run Newcastle this Sunday would be a fun way for the family to show their support for the hospital.
“She has had some really long stays there,” Ms Crook said. “At one time she was there for almost three months, so to have some nice rooms makes a massive difference to how you are when you are in the hospital.
“Even just to have those nice surroundings, to add that little bit of normality, is great.”
Ms Crook said Kirah’s battle was a constant one but the “strong-willed” teenager was good at the moment and keen to run this weekend.