FAMILY’S PAIN
Four-month-old baby son Lucas dies
Parents left reeling after sudden loss to SIDS of beautiful baby boy
A YOUNG mother due to return to work this month after taking maternity leave has instead been grieving the unexpected death of her fourmonth-old baby.
Jess Pisarek, 22, and her partner Josh Gall, 25, from Pimpama, are dealing with every parents’ worst nightmare after their son Lucas died in his sleep on Monday.
The community has since come to the aid of the family, helping to raise more than $14,000 in two days through a GoFundMe page set up by friend Tameka Anderson.
Ms Anderson said Josh and Jess had been left in disbelief, all the while trying to stay strong for their five-yearold son and Lucas’ older brother Ollie.
“Their whole life was for their kids,” Ms Anderson told the Bulletin.
“It’s all been flipped upside down. It’s something no parent should have to go through.”
Ms Anderson said Lucas was a pleasant, joyful baby who always had a smile on his face.
“He was literally the world’s happiest baby,” Ms Anderson said.
“Jess has sent me the photos because I’ve put together the slide show for the funeral, he’s smiling in all of them.
“He never had problems with his sleeping, she (Jess) said she’s been really lucky have two amazing, easy babies.”
Ms Anderson said the neighbourhood had rallied around the family, sending gifts, money and offering to help with daily tasks.
“We’ve had money donations from Jess’ work, from Josh’s work, they’ve had people donate flowers for the funeral,” Ms Anderson said.
“Their neighbours have come over and offered to help at their home.
“When Jess found Lucas she raced over to the childcare centre (that backs on to their home) to ask for help because she didn’t know what to do. So the childcare centre had to let the whole neighbourhood know what had happened, and a lot of people came forward with help after that.
“I think they’re truly seeing how many people have been impacted by this.”
The money raised will help cover funeral costs and time off work for Josh, who is employed as a concreter.
The GoFundMe page will remain open until tomorrow. Lucas’ parents have said they will donate a portion of the money to SIDS research charity Red Nose.
“We love them and we know that they would be the first people to turn around and do this for someone else,” Ms Anderson said.