ORANGE : Aussie Says G’by to Pals at Hospital

When she goes home to Melbourne, Australia, in a couple of weeks, 11-year-old Lisa Edwards will take with her an unusual souvenir--a Broviac catheter.

The feeding tube will end up attached to a teddy bear, but for the last 3 months it was the conveyor of nutrients and medication while Lisa was in the hospital.

When she and her family arrived in Orange County in late May, they planned to spend a whirlwind 5 days sightseeing here before heading to England, France, Singapore and finally home.

Instead, Lisa became critically ill almost immediately and was too sick to fly home. Doctors diagnosed a brain abscess, caused by an ear abnormality that allowed bacteria to enter her brain, and she has undergone four surgeries at Children’s Hospital of Orange County.

While in the hospital, Lisa’s long, blond hair was shaved off. But she also celebrated a birthday--complete with three parties, and she had daily tutoring and made a lot of friends.

Although she was happy to finally be well enough to leave the hospital Wednesday, saying goodby to the patients, nurses and recreational therapists she had gotten to know during her stay brought tears to Lisa’s eyes.

“I’ll be glad to go home, but I’ll miss everyone,” she said.

Now she plans to make up for lost time with trips to a swap meet, Knott’s Berry Farm, Disneyland and--in a trip provided by Make-A-Wish Foundation--to Sea World in a limousine.

First on her list was a trip to an American mall, something her stepmother, Vicki, said other family members have enjoyed during the stay.

John and Vicki Edwards, who own an investment firm in Melbourne, planned the 8-week vacation during Australia’s winter. Their summer vacation does not come until December. Lisa’s four sisters went back to Australia and to school a month ago.

The Edwardses said they’re not certain whether the family will reschedule their vacation. But whatever happens, they said they have been overwhelmed by the kindness of others during their stay. The Anaheim Sheraton provided them with free rooms and meals, and nurses took Lisa’s four sisters to Disneyland, the beach, miniature golfing and the movies. Hospital staff and parents of other patients gave Lisa stuffed animals that filled her room.

Said Vicki Edwards: “It’s been unbelievable.”