Latest news with #DBA
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Health
- The Advertiser
'No way': Miller prefers chicken schnity and burgers over hospital food
Miller Townsend isn't a fan of hospital food, but he likes the "chicken schnity" at John Hunter Hospital's cafeteria. Hospital food made the headlines on Tuesday when NSW Health Minister Ryan Park apologised to a patient who received a meagre meal at John Hunter Children's Hospital. "I acknowledge that the meal in the photograph does not reflect NSW Health or the community's expectations and I apologise to the patient who received this meal," Mr Park said. The Daily Telegraph had reported that the meal consisted of a piece of chicken, whole potato and tub of yoghurt. A family member of the patient was concerned about having to "go out and buy food to supplement a meal". Miller, 8, has spent time in John Hunter Children's Hospital to be treated for Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA). "To be fair, I can't say we've ever had the in-room dining there. He nails the chicken schnities from the cafeteria," dad Matt Townsend said. "They cost a fortune, but he'd always brush aside the hospital food." It's been 104 days since Miller had a bone marrow transplant at the Children's Hospital at Randwick. "They were giving him lamb kofta every night," Matt said with a laugh. "Luckily, there was a KFC and Subway up the road. He nailed that. There was no way he'd eat the kofta. "I think it's the same as any hospital food. It's not made with love. It's made with whatever they can find that day." Matt found it "a bit weird" to have lamb kofta at a children's hospital. Hospital food aside, Matt said Miller was "healthy, happy and back home". His bone marrow donor was his older brother, Mack. "The stem cells were going well, but he had graft-versus-host disease. That's when the body rejects the donor cells," Matt said. "It was treated with steroids and he's only just come off them." On Monday, tests showed his "bloods have dropped a little bit". "Hopefully it's a little speed bump. Fingers crossed, it's just the steroids." Miller has restrictions on being around people because he has no immune system after the chemotherapy treatment needed for the transplant. "He's allowed to play footy at the park with five to 10 of his mates. He's very happy with that," Matt said. "We can't be in crowds of people until his immune system grows. They say that's about six months after transplant - hopefully soon." When NSW Health Minister Ryan Park was at John Hunter in March, he met Miller at a topping-out ceremony for a new seven-storey building for the hospital's expansion. Since then, the minister has kept tabs on Miller's health. "Ryan Park came and visited him a couple of times in Sydney," Matt said. "I thought he'd bring cameras, but he didn't. He just came in and said g'day and kept in contact with us to see how he was going. I thought that was pretty nice." The Newcastle Herald reported in December that Miller's footy mates, from Stockton Sharks Junior Rugby League Club, shaved their heads to be like him. Miller Townsend isn't a fan of hospital food, but he likes the "chicken schnity" at John Hunter Hospital's cafeteria. Hospital food made the headlines on Tuesday when NSW Health Minister Ryan Park apologised to a patient who received a meagre meal at John Hunter Children's Hospital. "I acknowledge that the meal in the photograph does not reflect NSW Health or the community's expectations and I apologise to the patient who received this meal," Mr Park said. The Daily Telegraph had reported that the meal consisted of a piece of chicken, whole potato and tub of yoghurt. A family member of the patient was concerned about having to "go out and buy food to supplement a meal". Miller, 8, has spent time in John Hunter Children's Hospital to be treated for Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA). "To be fair, I can't say we've ever had the in-room dining there. He nails the chicken schnities from the cafeteria," dad Matt Townsend said. "They cost a fortune, but he'd always brush aside the hospital food." It's been 104 days since Miller had a bone marrow transplant at the Children's Hospital at Randwick. "They were giving him lamb kofta every night," Matt said with a laugh. "Luckily, there was a KFC and Subway up the road. He nailed that. There was no way he'd eat the kofta. "I think it's the same as any hospital food. It's not made with love. It's made with whatever they can find that day." Matt found it "a bit weird" to have lamb kofta at a children's hospital. Hospital food aside, Matt said Miller was "healthy, happy and back home". His bone marrow donor was his older brother, Mack. "The stem cells were going well, but he had graft-versus-host disease. That's when the body rejects the donor cells," Matt said. "It was treated with steroids and he's only just come off them." On Monday, tests showed his "bloods have dropped a little bit". "Hopefully it's a little speed bump. Fingers crossed, it's just the steroids." Miller has restrictions on being around people because he has no immune system after the chemotherapy treatment needed for the transplant. "He's allowed to play footy at the park with five to 10 of his mates. He's very happy with that," Matt said. "We can't be in crowds of people until his immune system grows. They say that's about six months after transplant - hopefully soon." When NSW Health Minister Ryan Park was at John Hunter in March, he met Miller at a topping-out ceremony for a new seven-storey building for the hospital's expansion. Since then, the minister has kept tabs on Miller's health. "Ryan Park came and visited him a couple of times in Sydney," Matt said. "I thought he'd bring cameras, but he didn't. He just came in and said g'day and kept in contact with us to see how he was going. I thought that was pretty nice." The Newcastle Herald reported in December that Miller's footy mates, from Stockton Sharks Junior Rugby League Club, shaved their heads to be like him. Miller Townsend isn't a fan of hospital food, but he likes the "chicken schnity" at John Hunter Hospital's cafeteria. Hospital food made the headlines on Tuesday when NSW Health Minister Ryan Park apologised to a patient who received a meagre meal at John Hunter Children's Hospital. "I acknowledge that the meal in the photograph does not reflect NSW Health or the community's expectations and I apologise to the patient who received this meal," Mr Park said. The Daily Telegraph had reported that the meal consisted of a piece of chicken, whole potato and tub of yoghurt. A family member of the patient was concerned about having to "go out and buy food to supplement a meal". Miller, 8, has spent time in John Hunter Children's Hospital to be treated for Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA). "To be fair, I can't say we've ever had the in-room dining there. He nails the chicken schnities from the cafeteria," dad Matt Townsend said. "They cost a fortune, but he'd always brush aside the hospital food." It's been 104 days since Miller had a bone marrow transplant at the Children's Hospital at Randwick. "They were giving him lamb kofta every night," Matt said with a laugh. "Luckily, there was a KFC and Subway up the road. He nailed that. There was no way he'd eat the kofta. "I think it's the same as any hospital food. It's not made with love. It's made with whatever they can find that day." Matt found it "a bit weird" to have lamb kofta at a children's hospital. Hospital food aside, Matt said Miller was "healthy, happy and back home". His bone marrow donor was his older brother, Mack. "The stem cells were going well, but he had graft-versus-host disease. That's when the body rejects the donor cells," Matt said. "It was treated with steroids and he's only just come off them." On Monday, tests showed his "bloods have dropped a little bit". "Hopefully it's a little speed bump. Fingers crossed, it's just the steroids." Miller has restrictions on being around people because he has no immune system after the chemotherapy treatment needed for the transplant. "He's allowed to play footy at the park with five to 10 of his mates. He's very happy with that," Matt said. "We can't be in crowds of people until his immune system grows. They say that's about six months after transplant - hopefully soon." When NSW Health Minister Ryan Park was at John Hunter in March, he met Miller at a topping-out ceremony for a new seven-storey building for the hospital's expansion. Since then, the minister has kept tabs on Miller's health. "Ryan Park came and visited him a couple of times in Sydney," Matt said. "I thought he'd bring cameras, but he didn't. He just came in and said g'day and kept in contact with us to see how he was going. I thought that was pretty nice." The Newcastle Herald reported in December that Miller's footy mates, from Stockton Sharks Junior Rugby League Club, shaved their heads to be like him. Miller Townsend isn't a fan of hospital food, but he likes the "chicken schnity" at John Hunter Hospital's cafeteria. Hospital food made the headlines on Tuesday when NSW Health Minister Ryan Park apologised to a patient who received a meagre meal at John Hunter Children's Hospital. "I acknowledge that the meal in the photograph does not reflect NSW Health or the community's expectations and I apologise to the patient who received this meal," Mr Park said. The Daily Telegraph had reported that the meal consisted of a piece of chicken, whole potato and tub of yoghurt. A family member of the patient was concerned about having to "go out and buy food to supplement a meal". Miller, 8, has spent time in John Hunter Children's Hospital to be treated for Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA). "To be fair, I can't say we've ever had the in-room dining there. He nails the chicken schnities from the cafeteria," dad Matt Townsend said. "They cost a fortune, but he'd always brush aside the hospital food." It's been 104 days since Miller had a bone marrow transplant at the Children's Hospital at Randwick. "They were giving him lamb kofta every night," Matt said with a laugh. "Luckily, there was a KFC and Subway up the road. He nailed that. There was no way he'd eat the kofta. "I think it's the same as any hospital food. It's not made with love. It's made with whatever they can find that day." Matt found it "a bit weird" to have lamb kofta at a children's hospital. Hospital food aside, Matt said Miller was "healthy, happy and back home". His bone marrow donor was his older brother, Mack. "The stem cells were going well, but he had graft-versus-host disease. That's when the body rejects the donor cells," Matt said. "It was treated with steroids and he's only just come off them." On Monday, tests showed his "bloods have dropped a little bit". "Hopefully it's a little speed bump. Fingers crossed, it's just the steroids." Miller has restrictions on being around people because he has no immune system after the chemotherapy treatment needed for the transplant. "He's allowed to play footy at the park with five to 10 of his mates. He's very happy with that," Matt said. "We can't be in crowds of people until his immune system grows. They say that's about six months after transplant - hopefully soon." When NSW Health Minister Ryan Park was at John Hunter in March, he met Miller at a topping-out ceremony for a new seven-storey building for the hospital's expansion. Since then, the minister has kept tabs on Miller's health. "Ryan Park came and visited him a couple of times in Sydney," Matt said. "I thought he'd bring cameras, but he didn't. He just came in and said g'day and kept in contact with us to see how he was going. I thought that was pretty nice." The Newcastle Herald reported in December that Miller's footy mates, from Stockton Sharks Junior Rugby League Club, shaved their heads to be like him.
The Irish Sun
15-07-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Groom-to-be, 36, dies suddenly just days after sending out wedding invitations
A GROOM-to-be died suddenly just days after sending out wedding invitations with his fiancée. Robyn Parry, 36, was due to marry his partner Bryony on August 21 this year and sent out cards to mark the occasion in March. 3 Robyn Parry tragically died just days after he and his wife-to-be sent out wedding invitations Credit: Daily Post Wales 3 Robyn was born with the extremely rare blood condition called Diamond Blackfan anaemia Credit: Daily Post Wales But days later, the nurse became seriously ill and passed away suddenly on March 17. Robyn was born with the extremely rare blood condition called Diamond Blackfan It stops the bone marrow from making enough red blood cells, leading to anaemia and other health issues that affect daily life. The lifelong genetic disorder affects approximately seven in every million newborn babies worldwide. Read more on rare conditions There is no cure for DBA, and treatment - which can help manage symptoms - ranges from monthly blood transfusions to steroid therapy and in some cases a stem cell transplant. The condition requires lifelong care and monitoring, and the risk of serious complications increases around the age of 25. It can be life-threatening due to severe anaemia and its associated complications. Most read in Health Robyn, originally from Valley on Anglesey, spent long periods of his life receiving treatment for the condition at Ysbyty Gwynedd Hospital in Bangor, Wales. Despite grappling with his condition, he dedicated his life to helping others. My baby girl was just 2 weeks from death due to rare disease - before her dad's last-gap action saved her life In 2018, he decided to train to become a nurse. He specialised in haematology and oncology and worked in both Ysbyty Gwynedd and Ysbyty Glan Clwyd over seven years. Groomsman Glyn Owen had thought his frend Ben Brame was calling about the upcoming stag do, when he had news of Robyn's sudden passing. Glyn, 36, a refugee services caseworker for British Red Cross in Cardiff, told 3 A groom-to-be tragically died just days after the couple sent out wedding invitations. Dedicated nurse Robyn Parry was due to marry his partner Bryony, also a nurse, on August 21 this year. Invitations for the big day were sent out to friends and family in March. But within days he had become seriously ill and […] Credit: Daily Post Wales "When Ben called me, I thought it was to discuss the stag do, and it was the same for all of his other friends. "To go from a moment of excitement like that to finding out the news , was crushing." Glyn and Ben expected to be performing wedding duties in the run-up to August. Instead, they're organising a trek of the Anglesey Coastal Path over nine days (130 miles), in memory of Robyn who was "never one to shy away from a challenge and was always up for an adventure". "The timing of the event will coincide with what should have been the happiest week of Robyn's life; his wedding to fiancée, Bryony," the pair wrote in a fundraiser post. "While that special moment can no longer take place, friends and family may still come together to celebrate the memory of Robyn." What is Diamond Blackfan anaemia (DBA)? Diamond Blackfan anaemia (DBA) is a a rare blood condition where your body's bone marrow fails to produce enough red blood cells. Your blood is mostly made up of four things: red blood cells, white blood cells, other cells called platelets and a liquid called plasma, which the blood cells and platelets move in. Bone marrow is the spongy part inside your big bones. It is a bit like a cell-making factory where new blood cells are made. When they are first made by the bone marrow they are called stem cells. These stem cells grow into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body, making them necessary for life. Symptoms range from mild to severe and may include: Fatigue Headache Loss of appetite Rapid heartbeat Shortness of breath Skin paleness Swelling in your hands and feet Weakness Currently there is no cure, but DBA is very treatable with help from hospitals. Many people with DBA are treated with blood transfusions, often monthly. Some DBA patients can respond to a high dose of steroids, often taken every-other day. Sources: The walk will raise money for Glyn said: 'We wanted to do something to honour and commemorate Rob, who was a really incredible person. "In terms of his health, he had quite a difficult life, but he never let it affect him; quite the opposite, he had such an appetite for life and really understood the importance of grabbing it with both hands. "We have so many great memories of adventures, parties, camping, beaches and so on. "I have many memories of him swimming in the sea at various places around the island, swimming far out from the shore; I think he loved the freedom and the exhilaration of it.' Ben and Glyn are inviting as many people as possible to join in whatever way they would like during the nine day event - from walking the stunning Coastal Path with them, to swimming and beach BBQs, or a beer or two at the local pubs along the route. The friends also intend to complete parts of the walk in superhero fancy dress in tribute to Robyn's love of comic books, which he would read during the long periods of treatment in hospital as a child. Ben Brame, 34, a watersports instructor and electrician from Y Felinheli, said: 'Look out for Spiderman and Thor rambling through the streets of Beaumaris or Amlwch in August, and please consider donating.' You can check out the fundraiser and get further information about the event
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Judicial activism shouldn't turn into judicial terrorism or adventurism: CJI Gavai
1 2 3 Nagpur: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan Gavai on Thursday cautioned against judicial overreach, stressing that though judicial activism is bound to stay, but it should not be allowed to turn into judicial adventurism or judicial terrorism. Speaking at a grand felicitation by the District Bar Association (DBA) on the premises of the District and Sessions Court in Nagpur, Gavai emphasised the importance of maintaining constitutional boundaries between the three organs of democracy. "Every institution must function within the limits drawn by the Constitution. Parliament frames laws, the executive implements them, and the judiciary ensures they comply with constitutional principles. When the Parliament or assemblies enact laws that violate the Constitution of India, the judiciary can step in. But if the judiciary tries to interfere unnecessarily in the functioning of the other two pillars, that must be avoided," he said. The event was graced by Supreme Court justices Dipankar Datta, Prasanna Varale, and Atul Chandurkar, along with Bombay high court chief justice Alok Aradhe, senior administrative judge of Nagpur bench Nitin Sambre, senior judge Anil Kilor, and others. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Justice Gavai's mother Kamaltai and wife Tejaswini also shared the dais. Recalling several milestones of his career, Gavai recounted his early reluctance to practise law and how the teachings of Dr BR Ambedkar and his father RS Gavai, a stalwart in social and political spheres, shaped his life. "From my childhood, I was exposed to Dr Ambedkar's ideals. My father would often say that one day his son would be the CJI, but sadly, he isn't here to see it. I am grateful that my mother is alive to witness this moment," he said emotionally. Paying rich tributes to Dr Ambedkar, he called the Indian Constitution a unique document. "It ensures social, financial, and political justice, along with liberty of thought and equality. I have always said that whatever I am today, it is because of the Constitution and Dr Ambedkar's vision," he said. Gavai also recalled unveiling Dr Ambedkar's statue and portrait at the Nagpur bench when he was the administrative judge. "But more than his portrait, what we need are his thoughts. They must guide us," he remarked. Describing the Nagpur bar as a secular and inclusive institution, he lauded DBA for never discriminating on the basis of caste and religion. He congratulated DBA secretary Manish Randive, and president Roshan Bagade, recalling how the latter became the association's first backward-class president. "Many small communities have produced lawyers today. I'm proud to be a member of this bar," he said. Gavai revisited significant cases, including a PIL he filed on behalf of a student from the Mehtar community in 1985, which led to a landmark high court decision allowing the student's admission — a moment he termed more satisfying than any financial gain. He also recalled being part of a plea that saved lakhs of slum dwellers from eviction in Mumbai after securing a stay in the Supreme Court within eight days. Highlighting the judiciary's constructive role, he credited public interest litigations (PILs) at the Nagpur bench for facilitating the new district court building and helping regulate slum settlements on zudpi jungle lands, safeguarding the right to livelihood. "Directive Principles and Fundamental Rights were carefully considered in these decisions," he noted. Gavai also fondly remembered his days as a DBA member, sharing anecdotes with justice Sambre and others during bar elections. He acknowledged legal luminaries from Nagpur like ex CJI Mohammed Hidayatullah, Bhausaheb Bobde, and VR Manohar, calling them 'legal eagles' and 'gifts from Nagpur to the judiciary'. "Like justice Datta said, my natural choice should be politics, but it was till 1990 before I decided to take up the legal profession," he said. "My father once told me, 'You can earn money as a lawyer, but as a judge, you can fulfill Babasaheb Ambedkar's dream of social and economic upliftment'," said the CJI, reflecting on his journey. Gavai, who credits his late father, veteran leader Dadasaheb Gavai, for shaping his path, also acknowledged the personal cost of his public role.
Express Tribune
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Islamabad bar slams attack on Iran
The District Bar Association (DBA) has announced it will observe a complete strike on Tuesday to condemn the attack on Iranian nuclear facilities. The statement issued by the Bar President Chaudhry Naeem Ali Gujjar and Joint Secretary Sardar Adam Khan said that the attacks are a violation of Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Iran reserves the right to retaliate, they said, adding that attacks on Iran are a violation of the principles of the United Nations. They said that Israel is a serious threat to international peace and stability, the United Nations should intervene and resolve the disputes peacefully. The Islamabad Bar Association stands with the Iranian government and people and the district bar will go on strike on Tuesday (today) in solidarity with Iran.
Daily Maverick
17-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
After the founders: Will Coega and East London special economic zones thrive?
There has been significant change in the leadership of the special economic zones in the Eastern Cape, from the chief executives in charge of day-to-day operations to the chairpersons of the boards who exercise oversight over the entities. In the last year, Coega Development Corporation longtimer Themba Khoza took over the reins as CEO of the corporation with Advocate Luvuyo Bono (DBA) assuming chairpersonship of the board. At the East London industrial development zone, another longtimer, Thembela Zweni, has succeeded Simphiwe Kondlo as CEO, with businessman Motse Mfuleni becoming the chairperson of the board. A range of other changes have taken place at executive levels in both organisations, signifying the bringing in of new blood and continuity. Transitions can be life changing for the survival of organisations, just as substitutions in sports games may make the difference between success and failure. As such, they bring excitement and concern. From a demographic perspective there is a generational shift in both executive and non-executive roles in most instances. I have had the privilege of watching some of the key individuals now in charge of these institutions grow professionally for the past 20 years, some in proximity and others at a distance. In many ways, it is fitting to see them succeed some of the leaders they themselves admired, worked with, or whose tutelage they were under. Perhaps some context is crucial. The special economic zones of the Eastern Cape became a crucial part of South Africa's attempt to drive export-oriented industrialisation within the first decade of democracy. First conceptualised in the passing of spatial development initiatives, they were among the first to attempt to broaden economic activities away from the three major metros of Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town. Development at the coast would not only ensure the hitherto marginalised regions would start seeing significant investments, they would also help accelerate the path towards export-oriented industrialisation. Forerunners That initial thinking morphed into the erstwhile Industrial Development Zones programme. Coega and East London were forerunners in that both were officially declared in the early 2000s. We could interpret the significant part of the early leadership of the SEZs to what one may call 'the old boys of St John's College' in Mthatha. Pepi Silinga and Simphiwe Kondlo both took over the reins as the concepts were gaining shape to lead the execution phases. They worked together with their corresponding business chambers and regional stakeholders from politicians to unionists. Key competencies at the time were as much about running infrastructure development and investment promotion initiatives as they were about the political acumen to mobilise resources. The latter was needed to ensure the survival of the organisations amid a barrage of attacks from stakeholders who were not completely convinced that the regions needed the nature of heavy industries that were the apparent anchor projects for these zones. The two chairpersons of the boards of the two entities are middle aged executives who have extensive experience starting and growing their own businesses, as well as serving on various boards. This entrepreneurial as opposed to a strongly corporate background should bring into the organisations a leadership approach that is adept, especially in survival skills. Those remain despite the long stint the organisations have had as running concerns. The organisations have never derived value from passive boards. Yes, the executive leadership of the entities has had great autonomy and space to lead operations without interference from the boards. However, the boards were never passive when it came to resource mobilisation and behind-the-scenes stakeholder engagement to guarantee a steady flow of resources. Further, politics is primary in development, and the CEO and chairperson of the board need to manage effective political relations close enough to mobilise support, but distant enough to avoid the trappings of the patronage networks that incumbent political leaders sometimes induce. In a conversation I had with Premier Oscar Mabuyane about where the Eastern Cape is and its ability to keep on securing resources and allocating them to our key projects, he was quick to point out that the fiscal instruments are no longer the same and the need for mutual collaboration has become greater now than it was back when these projects received significant allocations from the provincial government. We may not know the full behind the scenes details of these leaders, but their public exploits have been amazing. Mfuleni has grown his business in leaps and bounds. He has stayed the course in events management and other sectors and has been on various boards over the past 20 years, adept in both business and political acumen. Freedom Bono has had a long stint in business too, opting to remain outside of the mainstream routes in the legal profession so he could retain the freedom to focus on international labour law, business, and running his practice, among other things. They are positioned to champion the sustainability causes of the organisations they lead. Khoza and Zweni strike me as first and foremost stewards who will honour the legacies of their predecessors and bring in their own leadership to achieve greater success. This dual task is crucial. A sense of burden to distinguish oneself from the predecessor may lead a successor to stumble. Since they worked a long time with their predecessors, one expects that they remain inspired by their efforts as they are motivated to achieve a greater mission. As such, there should be recognition at the board level that these organisations have built significant internal leadership capacity to be left alone to continue to run operationally, while concurrently nudging them to stretch towards new aspirations as dictated by the times. There is a need to ensure rapid success, and much of the momentum gained over the years does position the organisations for greater success. Yet there is a need to adopt a strategy to push the organisations beyond their self-determined objectives, given the sense of urgency for radical change that the province dictates. DM
