THE suspected heart condition that was believed to be plaguing baby Gammy has been ruled out, with doctors confirming he in fact has a “healthy and strong heart”.
The good news comes as media outlets across the world focus on the South Bunbury home of Gammy’s biological parents, waiting for an official statement about claims they abandoned the baby with his surrogate mother in Thailand.
Australian charity organisation Hands Across the Water has been working closely with medical specialists and Gammy’s carers to make sure he gets the support he needs.
Gammy has Down syndrome and was believed to have been born with a heart condition closely linked to the syndrome.
Organisation director Peter Baines spoke to the Bunbury Mail about the baby, saying the heart condition had been ruled out by cardiac specialists in Bangkok.
Mr Baines said the diagnosis had been possible by generous donations from across the world which had made specialist treatment possible.
“I have met with people here in Australia who have expertise in managing the needs of kids with Down syndrome,” he said.
“Then we will meet with people in Thailand to find out what sort of resources are available for ongoing care.”
Mr Baines said Gammy is quickly recovering from the lung infection that saw him admitted to hospital last week and it is hoped he will be able to leave hospital and return home with his surrogate mother, Pattaramon Janbua.
Hands Across the Water was set up after Mr Baines witnessed the devastating effects of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami.
He worked in Thailand as part of the response team following the tsunami and saw the plight of many people who had lost members of their extended families and had their homes and villages destroyed.
The charity was set up to support children in Thailand who need a helping hand, providing them with a safe, caring and educational environment.
For more information go to handsacrossthewater.org.au.
