Will's story   — Kate McMaster, AL, USA

I have 2 sons, both of whom were born in Wellington, NZ. Will is now 7 - he got late-onset GBS - he was born 8 weeks early due to premature rupture of membranes. I knew nothing of GBS at the time - was given antibiotics, but of course that doesn't prevent late-onset. Will had all the symptoms: grunting, blotchy skin, massive fever, then died in my hands. Doctors revived him (in the country hospital of Masterton which was home). He is now blind, has cerebral palsy, is in a wheel chair with 80% brain damage and will be in nappies forever. He is a beautiful-looking little boy and attends a wonderful special school in Alice Springs, here in the desert of Central Australia (my home). His Dad left me soon after he got sick. I have since married another wonderful man who is such a good dad to Will. We now have Tom who is 2. Tom was also born early due to premature rupture of membranes, but, because of Will's history, they gave me a c-section immediately. Tom is fine, gorgeous. I am due to have baby number 3 any day (I am 32 weeks as I write this). I am booked for another c-section to avoid any risk. They say this baby is a girl. I am always an overprotective mother for the first few months of the baby's life, as I just WAIT for late-onset to strike again. Lightning can't strike twice. I am a teacher - teach full time and have been doing so for over 10 years. Happy to help any families of children with special needs if I can. Cheers.