Rehab goes robotic.
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
Rehab goes robotic.
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
PCHF-funded robotic rehab technology is giving WA kids like Cyrus a life-changing chance at recovery.
On his eighth birthday, Cyrus was admitted to Bunbury Hospital after struggling with unexplained fatigue and shortness of breath. He was urgently flown to Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH), where doctors diagnosed him with cardiomyopathy – a rare and serious disease of the heart muscle that can lead to heart failure.
“We picked him up from school one day and noticed he was out of breath and exhausted, even on a short 500m walk,” said his mum, Cherie. “He’d rest, feel a little better, then crash again. It was really out of character.”
While waiting for a donor heart, Cyrus suffered two strokes in quick succession. The second caused significant damage, leaving him unable to speak or move the left side of his body.
“He couldn’t talk, his hand was clenched tight, and he had to use a picture board to communicate,” said his father, Daniel. “It was heartbreaking.”
Doctors placed Cyrus in an induced coma, and his family were told they had just two days before his life support would be switched off. Against the odds, he pulled through, and several months later, received his new heart. The transplant surgery lasted more than 11 hours, and while it saved his life, the strokes left Cyrus with significant weakness, especially down his left side.
Since late 2024, Cyrus (now 9) has been undergoing intensive rehabilitation at PCH to regain his strength and mobility. A key part of his recovery has been a new robotic rehabilitation device designed to support upper limb movement. This state-of-the-art technology, funded by PCHF with the generous support of Perth Airport, gives WA children access to precise, targeted therapy.
As one of the first kids in WA to use the device, Cyrus is retraining his fine motor skills such as finger control and movement against gravity – helping him achieve milestones like feeding himself, tying his shoes, and hugging loved ones.
“This new technology is helping kids like Cyrus recover faster, regain movement earlier, and improve function in a fun, engaging way,” said Jenny Colegate, Senior Occupational Therapist at PCH. “With earlier intervention, we can achieve better long-term outcomes.”
PCHF CEO Carrick Robinson said: “As WA’s specialist children’s healthcare charity, PCHF is committed to providing every child at PCH with access to the latest cutting-edge equipment.
“Thanks to the generosity of Perth Airport and the WA community, our state’s kids now have access to innovative, robotic rehabilitation technology right here at PCH. It’s about giving kids like Cyrus the best chance to recover, so they can enjoy a healthier, happier future.”
Today, Cyrus is back kicking a soccer ball, enjoys gaming sessions on the robotic device, and is building strength through gym and occupational therapy.
“He’s making incredible progress,” said Daniel. “He actually looks forward to therapy now – because it’s fun.”
Since launching its Lost Property and Surrendered Items auctions, Perth Airport has donated over $700,000 to PCHF, helping countless WA kids like Cyrus to get well and stay well.
Help fund more life-changing equipment for WA kids. Donate Today.
