Sophie Goes Home

Sophie Delezio, one of the two children seriously injured when a car ran into their day-care centre in Fairlight, Sydney on December 15, 2003, is going home on Monday 21st June at 11am.

After seven months at The Children's Hospital at Westmead, and many operations, the Burns team is happy to finally be able to send Sophie home.

"The advancements in skin technology at Concord Hospital and the special techniques we were able to use on Sophie saved her life." says Dr Peter Hayward, her surgeon. "Sophie will continue to visit the Hospital several times a week, and will need many more operations in the coming years. She will also need an ongoing program of physiotherapy to prevent scar formation and will be seen regularly for follow up as she grows".

Her parents are delighted. - "The care we've received at The Children's Hospital at Westmead has been wonderful; we will always be grateful for everything all the staff has done for Sophie and us. We are so glad to finally be taking Sophie home.

When Sophie was asked what she is most looking forward to, she replied; "Lying on the grass with Mummy & Daddy, looking at the stars and the moon and eating lollies".

"We would like to thank everyone around Australia for all the wonderful gifts, drawings and cards we have received over the last seven months. The support has meant a great deal to us and has helped us in our journey. Most of all, we would like to thank everyone for including Sophie in their prayers. It was comforting for us to know that Sophie was in everyone's thoughts", says Carolyn Martin - Sophie's mother.

"We have shared our story with Australia, but we hope everyone will understand our need for a little more privacy now that we are going home", says Ron Delezio.

Media are welcome to capture footage of Sophie leaving The Children's Hospital at Westmead. Sophie's Father and a burns specialist will make a brief statement. Media contact - Debra Fowler - Public Relations Ph (02) 9845 3584 or page via switchboard on Ph (02) 9845 0000, Pager 6904