Every time three-year-old Olivia McMaster has a bite to eat, she helps her mum sprinkle some special granules on top.
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Without those granules which contain digestive enzymes, the Berkeley toddler would not be able to stomach simple foods.
It’s just one of the symptoms of cystic fibrosis the little girl has learnt to live with.
This month she will support others afflicted with the life-shortening genetic disorder by taking part in Cystic Fibrosis NSW’s Big Bounce campaign.
Her mother Kate is looking to organise a bounce party – either at home or a local trampoline arena – to raise awareness of the condition which affects 500 young people across the state.
‘‘Cystic fibrosis primarily affects the respiratory system or the digestive system, and for Olivia it’s mainly digestive issues,’’ Mrs McMaster said.
‘‘When she was born she had a perforated bowel due to meconium ileus and was immediately taken from Wollongong Hospital to Randwick children’s hospital and had an operation on her bowel when she was a few hours old.
‘‘She spent a month in hospital to get her bowel working again and now has to go back every three months for tests, as well as undergoing a bronchoscopy every 12 months to examine her airways.’’
Fortunately Olivia’s lungs remain clear of the thick sticky mucus which can be a hallmark of the condition, however any infection could lead to hospitalisation and her digestive problems have left her underweight for her age.
‘‘We’ve been lucky so far but cystic fibrosis is a degenerative condition and the average life span is around 37 years,’’ Mrs McMaster said.
Taking part in the Big Bounce campaign will not only help the family raise awareness and funds for support services, it will help Olivia stay healthy too, according to Cystic Fibrosis NSW CEO Michele Adair.
‘‘Bouncing is not only great fun and a great way to exercise, it also improves the quality of life for those with cystic fibrosis as jumping helps clear the sticky mucus in the lungs, airways and digestive system which can cause infection,’’ she said.
About 65,000 Australians will get bouncing this month – for details or to register visit www.bigbounce.org.au.