HER mother's instinct to reach out and enfold her newborn child with both arms has never been realised.
That baby is now three years old.
Kylie Newlove, 42, had a stroke when giving birth to Evan, her latest child, and had to have an emergency caesarean section for the premature birth, then went into a coma.
The mother of four became unable to walk without assistance, and her left arm from the shoulder to her fingers was paralysed.
Although she, her children and fiance Nathan Jones now live in Ballina they have strong Sutherland Shire connections.
Mr Jones is a full-time carer for Ms Newlove.
"I went from being able to earn good money in the mines to having to look after everyone," Mr Jones said.
"I had to change nappies, and go on benefits."
Ms Newlove longs for the day that she can bathe her children, make their lunches and send them to school.
"I just want to be a mother again," she said.
"I went into a major depression after everything happened and now I'm on medication, so things are a bit better; life really sucks."
But hope is on the horizon as friends of the couple have rallied together to try to raise the estimated $22,000 needed for the couple to go to Los Angeles for treatment at the Institute of Neurological Recovery.
"I've been told that all I need is two injections — no surgery, and I'll be all right," Ms Newlove said.
The Kylie Newlove Appeal fund-raising number is CFN/23454.
The appeal’s ‘‘Splash Of Red’’ fund-raiser on October 24 will be at Doltone House, Sylvania Waters. Channel Seven’s Chris Bath will be MC, with entertainment by The Likely Lads and a live auction run by motoring expert Ian Luff. Organisers want to hear from local businesses which might provide prizes for the silent or live auctions/raffles. Bookings: trybooking.com/99763.
