Town gives precious gift to Matt

A Broome family is significantly closer to giving their son a life enhancing operation after raising $14,000, thanks to the support of the Broome community.

On December 8, Ronaldo and Monette Seraza organised a “Filipino feast” and auction at the Nicholas Emo centre to help reach their target of raising $20,000 for a major operation for their son, Matt.

Seven-year-old Matt suffers from cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder, and needs an operation to replace his nasogastric tube to improve his quality of life.

Dozens of community members and local business owners supported the event through generous donations, helping the family raise $14,000.

The Serazas said they were overwhelmed by the generosity of the Broome community.

Since Matt was born, Mr and Mrs Seraza have faced daily challenges to ensure their son receives the medical help he requires.

After being born prematurely, Matt was diagnosed with neonatal sepsis, a blood infection, and necrotising enterocolitis, a condition that damages the tissue of the bowel, requiring major surgery.

At five months old, Matt was also diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a build-up of fluid inside the skull that leads to brain swelling. He was admitted to Manila Doctors Hospital in the Philippines for a shunt replacement.

Matt later developed a respiratory infection which made him susceptible to infections because of malnutrition.

Despite facing these challenges, the family remain focused on reaching their target to give Matt a life-changing operation – the replacement of his nasogastric tube to give him better nutrition.

As well as supporting their son, the family said they were anxiously awaiting the renewal of Mr Seraza’s 457 visa to secure their future in Broome.

Mrs Seraza said the family would organise a second fundraising event next month and she hoped the new year would signal a new chapter for the family.