Ballina’s community spirit has once again been called upon, as locals rally to support 17-year-old Sophie Moran, a Xavier Catholic College student left fighting for her life after what began as a case of influenza.

The Moran family’s world has been turned upside down since June, when Sophie fell gravely ill after returning from a school trip.

She has now spent more than nine weeks in intensive care, enduring multiple life-threatening complications.

A Teenager’s Ordeal

Sophie had travelled with her school to Brisbane on June 26 to volunteer at homeless shelters. 

The trip was something she had looked forward to for months.

But just days later she returned home with a fever, testing positive for Influenza A.

Her condition deteriorated rapidly.

Despite repeated hospital visits, Sophie was sent home twice.

Then on July 3, her parents rushed her to Tweed Hospital in the early hours of the morning as she struggled to breathe and began vomiting blood.

Doctors delivered devastating news: Sophie would not survive without being placed on an ECMO machine, a last-resort form of life support.

She suffered two cardiac arrests and a lung haemorrhage before being transferred to Gold Coast University Hospital, where she remains on ECMO and dialysis.

Her family were told to prepare for the worst.   Yet, against the odds, Sophie has continued to fight.

Weeks in ICU

Since then, the teen has endured septic shock, kidney failure and serious lung damage.

Her lungs developed holes as a result of severe infection.

Even as she remains tethered to life-support machines, Sophie has begun physiotherapy. Slowly, she is learning to sit, stand and take assisted steps.

She marked her 17th birthday from her ICU bed, surrounded not by friends at school or colleagues at her part-time job, but by doctors, nurses and her devoted family. 

Her mum Amanda has remained at her bedside every day.   Father Darren and sister Chloe make the trip from Ballina each weekend.

“Team Cherry” Steps In

While facing his own family’s health battles, Cherry Street Sports Group CEO Tere Sheehan has stepped up to support Sophie and her loved ones.

Mr Sheehan, whose wife Jane Weal Sheehan is undergoing cancer treatment, has established a GoFundMe appeal to help the Morans.

“With all the recent love and support we have received from so many, it’s our turn to pay it forward,” Mr Sheehan said.

 “This story is heartbreaking. Young Sophie works for Team Cherry, and while away doing charity work she fell gravely ill.”

At the time of writing, the appeal is just $4,000 short of its initial $15,000 target. 

Mr Sheehan thanked the Cherry Street board of directors for kicking off the fundraiser by agreeing to cover a full eight weeks of rental assistance for the Moran family.

Parents Forced to Give Up Work

Amanda and Darren Moran have both put their work on hold to support their daughter.

With no government assistance available for the level of support Sophie needs, the family has been forced to draw down their savings.

The funds raised will go towards medical and rehabilitation costs, travel and accommodation, and ongoing care.

“No one should have to go through what Sophie is enduring,” Mr Sheehan said.

“But with community support, we can ease the burden and give her the best chance at healing.”

A Community’s Response

Sophie’s plight has touched many across the Northern Rivers.   She is described as bright, kind and courageous-  a teenager who loved her schoolwork, her job at the Cherry Street group, and volunteering to help those less fortunate.

Her sister Chloe has been a constant presence at her side, brushing her hair and singing to her in ICU.

These small acts of love have been vital in helping Sophie through the darkest days.

The message from Mr Sheehan and Sophie’s family is clear: influenza A must be taken seriously.  What began as a seasonal virus has turned into an ordeal that nearly cost Sophie her life.

How to Help

Donations to Sophie Moran’s recovery can be made via the GoFundMe appeal set up by Tere Sheehan: Sophie’s Fight for Life.

“Every bit of support means the world,” Mr Sheehan said. 

 “Events like this remind us how strong our community is when we stand together.”