Isabelle Rigby with her mum Tracey Newman
UPDATE: Isabelle Rigby, a 19-year-old from Western Australia, has made a remarkable recovery after becoming the first child in the state to undergo a heart and double lung transplant. This urgent medical intervention was necessary due to her severe pulmonary hypertension — a condition that threatened her life. Her inspiring story is being highlighted as Telethon 2025 approaches, showcasing the critical support provided to sick children.
Isabelle was born at just 24 weeks, weighing only 695 grams, and faced challenges from the start. Her mother, Tracey Newman, recalls the emotional rollercoaster of spending 175 days by her daughter’s side in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Princess Margaret Hospital. “There wasn’t a day that wasn’t a fight,” Tracey stated, reflecting on the journey they endured together.
On a routine check-up, Isabelle’s condition took a dramatic turn. “We thought we’d go home, but she was admitted to intensive care,” Tracey explained. The family received the devastating news that Isabelle needed to be placed on the donor list urgently. “She was critical; we needed it to happen quickly,” Tracey added, describing the overwhelming fear of potentially losing her daughter.
In a stroke of luck, just three days after being placed on the donor list, a suitable organ donor was found. “It was like the angels were looking over us,” Tracey shared, expressing gratitude amidst the sorrow of another family’s loss. “A donor is never forgotten. They are a hero,” she emphasized, highlighting the profound impact of organ donation.
The surgery, which lasted an agonizing ten hours, marked a turning point for Isabelle. Now the youngest recipient of such a transplant in WA, she has made a phenomenal recovery, monitored by the Lung Transplant Clinic at Fiona Stanley Hospital. Since her transplant, Isabelle has returned for follow-up appointments every six weeks and views her transplant team as family.
Isabelle’s achievements have soared since her surgery. She recently represented Australia at the World Transplant Games, winning a bronze medal in the 100-meter sprint. “I can finally live a normal life,” she said, expressing her newfound freedom and zest for life.
With aspirations to travel the world, Isabelle dreams of visiting Italy, Egypt, and the Nordic countries. Her mother, Tracey, reflects on the incredible support from the community. “What West Australians give to help sick kids is incredible,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of Telethon’s impact on the lives of children like Isabelle.
As Telethon 2025 draws near, the Newman family continues to advocate for organ donation, celebrating the gift of life every day. Isabelle’s story serves as a powerful reminder of hope, resilience, and the vital role that community support plays in the lives of sick children across Western Australia.
For more updates on Isabelle’s journey and Telethon 2025, stay tuned for further developments.
