Gold Coast woman Imogen Petrak checked into hospital on Friday with an ear infection. She was 36 weeks pregnant.
But as The Gold Coast Bulletin reports, Imogen did not survive the hospital visit and died from a suspected strain of bacterial meningococcal.
Just hours before her death, doctors performed an emergency C-section and Imogen’s baby, Eleanor, was delivered four weeks premature.
As 7 News reports, Imogen is survived by her husband John, their newborn daiughter and their 17-month-old son.
The heartbreaking events are documented on a GoFundMe crowdfunding page created by Renèe King, who runs the local playgroup with Imogen.
“Imogen was taken to hospital presenting an ear infection, this infection travelled to her brain, causing severe swelling. Suspected strain of bacterial meningococcal,” Renèe wrote.
“An emergency C Section was performed and baby Eleanor was born 4 weeks premature. Eleanor is doing well but her mummy Imogen suffering catastrophic brain damage only hours later tragically passed away.”
Renèe says she hopes the page will raise $100,000. So far, it has amassed $91,383.
“My goal is to raise enough funds for John and his children to help cover funeral costs and to give him a buffer over the next year whilst he is figuring out how to navigate this new life he’s been dealt as single daddy to these two beautiful needy babies,” Renèe said.
“Their lives have been completely turned upside down … how do you tell your baby that mummy isn’t coming home … I just can’t fathom the pain and headache, the loss that is being felt right now.”
She added: “Imogen was loved by all that crossed her path, she had the biggest heart and sweetest loving spirit, an incredible selfless mother and cherished wife.”
You can donate to the GoFundMe page here.
