From 28 July until 3 August, we will be getting our capes on to celebrate the superheroes we care for at Bear Cottage. 

We’d like to send a special thank you to Kira and Emmanuel’s families who have generously agreed to be our Bear Cottage Superheroes for 2024. 

Kira, powerful and positive 

A happy and positive girl, Kira’s superpower lies in her infectious smiles and giggles, which have the remarkable ability to spread happiness  to all around her.

Ben and Lee’s twins, Kira and Mia, were separated just two days after birth, with Kira then spending the next few months under the care of the Grace Centre for Neonatal Intensive Care at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead (CHW). 

Now nine years old, Kira was diagnosed with KCNQ2 Encephalopathy, a rare form of epilepsy that typically presents in the first week of life and causes global development delay. 

Coming for respite visits since 2019, Ben says that support from Bear Cottage has improved the mental health of the family and allowed sister Mia to just be a kid too. 

“Just knowing that you are not alone certainly helps and no matter who you talk to, there is always respect. Bear Cottage has changed our lives, and we can’t thank them enough for all that they do for us!” 

Emmanuel, a real trooper

Emmanuel is a bright and bubbly young man. He loves being tickled, listening to music, dancing with his siblings and happily observing the world around him. 

The challenges that he has faced from the start of his life and his strength to overcome all the medical obstacles that have been thrown his way, make him a little fighter and superhero. 

Mum says, “Without superpowers, he would not be able to deal with the daily demands of a medically complex life.” 

Emmanuel was born with neonatal onset Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency (OTC). The family did not know of his condition until he seemed unwell a day after he was born. 

As the youngest of five, Emmanuel’s illness put a massive strain on the family, but it has taught the family and in particular, his siblings to value life’s preciousness and to demonstrate that through their everyday actions. 

“By being able to access respite, Bear Cottage has given us what we could not get anywhere else. The love and care they show Emmanuel and our whole family is beyond compare and absolutely priceless.” 

Read more about our amazing superheroes or get involved, by visiting www.superheroweek.com.au