The Adeney family is racing against time as they confront the devastating reality of their toddler’s health. Two-year-old Jeremy Adeney has been diagnosed with restrictive cardiomyopathy, a rare and incurable heart condition. Initially given a prognosis that he might live until around the age of 17, doctors recently informed his parents, Peter and Natasha Adeney, that Jeremy is now in end-stage heart failure and could have only months, or even days, left to live.
Jeremy is like any other cheerful toddler, enjoying time with his toy golf set and trucks. Yet, his condition looms over him. According to Natasha, he does not fully grasp the gravity of his illness but has begun to notice he is different from other children. “He has a lot of pains and gets every virus that’s going around, which is very dangerous for him,” she explained.
The family’s ordeal began in October 2022 when Jeremy developed pneumonia. While being treated at a hospital in Albury, a cardiologist noticed something unusual during an examination. An ultrasound quickly revealed Jeremy’s heart condition. The family was subsequently referred to specialists in Melbourne, where they received the shocking news about his prognosis.
Initially, doctors estimated that Jeremy might live until he was around 17. However, further tests indicated a much shorter life expectancy. “A month after that, they said about four years old is how long they think he had. And then around March, the doctors came back and said his prognosis is about two months,” Natasha recounted.
Peter, who works as an electrician, has had to adjust his work schedule to spend more time with his wife and their three other children: Theodore, eight months, Veronica, six, and Bethany, four. Balancing work commitments with regular hospital visits for Jeremy, which occur every fortnight, has been challenging.
The financial strain of medical bills has compounded the family’s difficulties. “The costs have been a burden, but Country Hope have been really good,” Peter stated. They have struggled to keep up with the mortgage payments on their flat in Lavington, which they purchased four years ago. Peter noted that they have been behind on various bills, including car insurance and electricity, despite trying to set up payment plans.
As Jeremy’s condition worsens, he is now on high dosages of medication. With no further treatment options available, the frequency of hospital visits is increasing. In response to the family’s plight, Country Hope has launched a fundraiser to alleviate some of the financial stress, aiming to raise $60,000. As of December 5, 2023, the campaign had raised $3,440.
A spokesperson for Country Hope remarked, “No parent can prepare for this journey; however, we believe no parent should ever walk it alone. Together, we can give the Adeneys the most precious gift of all: time together with little Jeremy.”
All funds raised through this initiative will directly benefit the Adeney family, allowing them to focus on what matters most during this difficult time.
