Warrnambool's Noah Dowie is one in a million

They were at the pediatrician two months ago and mentioned how pale Noah was.

“His (hemoglobin) blood level was 45 which is less than half of what it should be,” Miss Trotman said. 

Mr Dowie said had they have left it another week, Noah could have died from organ failure or a heart attack in his sleep.

“It was lucky it all happened how it did. It was horrible,” Miss Trotman said.

The 14-month-old has since been diagnosed with Diamond Blackfan Anemia, a condition that affects 800 people worldwide.

Miss Trotman said Noah’s body did not produce enough red blood cells to transport oxygen around the body, which was caused by bone marrow failure.

“This is a lifetime disorder that will take his life prematurely if we don’t find a cure,” she said.

Noah has had three blood transfusions. He will continue to have monthly transfusions and a bone marrow transplant is a possibility.

“He’s amazing,” Miss Trotman said. “Most of the time he’s so happy. People can’t believe how placid he is when he has a needle, he doesn’t even cry.”

The couple said their family, friends and the community had been amazing.

“We have good and bad days. We’re just trying to be positive for Noah,” she said 

“We’re hoping for that miracle, that he’ll go into remission,” Mr Dowie said. 

Mr Dowie’s cousin and surfer Zeb Armstrong hopes to raise $20,000 for the family’s ongoing medical costs. 

In September, he will paddle to various Port Fairy surf spots and catch a wave at each location. 

“A lot of people to raise money walk up mountains, but I couldn’t walk up a hill,” Mr Armstrong said. 

“Some people ride a bike across the Nullarbor, but I ditched the push bike the day I got my driver’s licence. What I can do is paddle a surfboard,” he said.

To donate go to gofundme.com/23n39h9g or to follow their journey go to the Noah’s Ark Facebook page.