Well-known and loved local doctor Dominic Frawley AM has recently published a book, 'Malachy: A father's story of love, laughter and loss'.
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A GP at Junction Street Family Medical Practice, Dr Frawley and wife Maggie tragically lost their fourth child, Malachy in 2013 to congenital heart disease. Malachy was aged just 14. A year after his death, Dr Frawley began the put pen to paper.
Soon after Malachy's birth on March 2, 1999, the realisation that their newborn child was critically ill set in and Malachy was flown by helicopter to an intensive care unit in Sydney. The baby's life rested in the hands of Dom's former colleagues. Malachy had a major heart defect, making him a 'blue baby'.
His family were forced to experience the medical system from the patient side, walking with Malachy in a prolonged struggle with severe disability.
A deep father-son bond developed, enriching the lives of both. Malachy's heart disease inspired Maggie and Dom into activist roles with HeartKids, the peak charity for children with heart disease.
Their involvement led Maggie into the role of State Manager for HeartKids NSW, then Dom to become the inaugural Chair of HeartKids Australia.
On Australia Day 2011 Dom was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) and in 2014 Dom received an Honorary Life Membership of HeartKids NSW.
"Malachy had taken up activism for the HeartKids movement and became an inspiration amongst his peers, and to many who crossed his path. The burden of heart disease brought a certain type of meaning and definition to our lives," Dr Frawley said.
"All the while we had to balance the cause against the needs of three other children, and the demands of work and daily life."
When Malachy died on September 9, 2013 the carefully built framework of family life, Dom's beliefs and ability to cope came up against life's irresistible, final challenge.
Dr Frawley said there were a few motivating factors inspiring him to write the book.
"It's a tribute to Malachy, who had been so loved by so many people, and with his family demonstrated the power of activism to improve the world. I also wanted to fulfill his desire to be published as an author," he said.
"We also couldn't find much that was meaningful or helpful to read when we were in the worst of our grief so we wanted to let people know that when they are struggling with a seriously ill child, or the death of a child they are not alone."
While reliving the traumas of Malachy's life and combing over the things that might have been proved to be an emotional experience, Dr Frawley said it also made him feel closer to his son.
With the book now available to the public, he hopes it also brings comfort to others.
"There is a feeling of excitement to be able to show Malachy's special nature to an audience, and to be presenting a work he would be proud to see in print," he said.
"I hope it can touch the lives of as many people as possible, and that people in distress may feel comforted to know that other people have also been there, and know what they're going through."
Malachy is about the life and death of a child affected by heart disease, and the impact of that on his family.
The value of HeartKids as a support for affected families shines through in the story. Malachy explores the bond of love between a parent and their child. It is a reminder how treasured and important all children are.
It is also a story about living with the agony of loss. Dr Frawley's family shows their way of confronting hostile fate with a sense of humour, courage and resilience.