His mum Elizabeth took him to the doctor and was given pain relief, but she knew something wasn't right.

"It was awful," Ms Farrar said. "It's terrifying when it's your baby."

She got him in to see a pediatrician, who suspected Kawasaki disease and quickly diagnosed it through additional tests.

"Because he'd been sick for so long, I was so happy to have someone say 'he's sick, we need to do this'," Ms Farrar said.

The disease can cause complications if left untreated for too long, which is why Ms Farrar was so appreciative of the prompt care.

"I'm so glad they got to it early," Ms Farrar said.

"The biggest anxiety for me with Kawasakis is that he could have chronic cardiac issues for rest of his life."

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But tests done with an echocardiographic machine since his diagnosis have revealed young Fred is recovering well so far, providing some much needed peace of mind for his mum.

"We've had wonderful service," she said.

"I never thought we would get such wonderful care."

To continue providing important testing for kids in need, the John Hunter cardiology department will receive a helping hand through a fundraiser currently taking place at Coles supermarkets.

Coles is selling $2 donation cards and purchases made in Newcastle stores will go towards the purchase of a new echocardiographic machine, to be shared between the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and paediatric cardiology departments.

Each year the John Hunter Children's Hospital conducts more than 1000 paediatric echocardiograms, and cardiologist Dr Jascha Kehr said the new machine would make a difference to patients in the Hunter New England region.

"With a new echo machine, I will be able to offer state of the art diagnostics both antenatally and during childhood," Dr Kehr said.

"Echocardiography is the mainstay of cardiology investigations these days, so this appeal is contributing to essential tools of diagnosis."

The annual fundraiser previously only supported the Sydney Children's' Hospital at Randwick and the Children's Hospital at Westmead, but this is the first year that money will benefit Newcastle patients.

John Hunter Children's Hospital Executive Director Dr Paul Craven said he was "extremely grateful" for the support.

"All money raised this September will go towards investing in state-of-the-art equipment for the Children's Hospital that will benefit both the NICU and paediatric cardiology departments," he said.

"It's campaigns like this and with the support of our local community that enables us to provide world leading care to our patients."

Coles NSW general manager Mark Dubock said he was pleased the money raised locally would stay local this year and encouraged people to support the campaign to help families impacted by childhood illness.

"Coles are pleased to have the John Hunter Children's Hospital on board to raise vital funds this year," Mr Dubock said.

"After the generous support of our Newcastle shoppers year after year, it is great to have this opportunity to directly benefit the local community."

The donation cards are available in stores until September 28.

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