City unites to help young Scarlett get critical eye surgery

NIKITA Godden has finally been able to give her little girl the news they had both been yearning for.

“I just told her we made our $4500 target and her little face just lit up,” the Bonogin mother said after Gold Coasters reached into their pockets to help fund five-year-old Scarlett’s crucial eye surgery in the wake of a public health bungle.

“She said ‘So I can have my surgery?’ and I said ‘So many people wanted to help you’ … to think people see my daughter’s sight as a worthwhile investment is overwhelming.

“We may have fallen through the cracks at Queensland Health but the community has stood up and given us this incredible opportunity.”

The Bulletin yesterday revealed Scarlett, who was born with esotropia (“turned eyes”), had waited almost two years for an appointment at Brisbane’s Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital only to learn she had never been placed on a waiting list.

After being told by a private specialist she risked permanent damage without surgery, her parents launched a crowdfunding campaign and, thanks to the generosity of friends and strangers, Scarlett will now have surgery on September 4, three weeks before her sixth birthday.

“I can’t think of anything else she’d like for her birthday — except maybe a pony,” Nikita laughed.

“Some people donated as little as $5, which makes me cry as that’s probably all they’ve got to give but they’re still willing to put it towards Scarlett.

“Another man we’ve never met donated $250 ... (and) every cent is going to benefit her life.”