Tayla and Josh Cooke’s two sons, who were both born at 24 weeks, have complex medical needs – but only one of them receives limited support from the NDIS.

Emris, who is now five, was born with a heart condition and a form of chronic lung disease common in premature babies – and had to be on oxygen for the first two-and-a-half years of his life. He also has global developmental delay, a brain injury, a rare genetic mutation and a swallowing condition.

Despite how tough it was to manage, Tayla didn’t ask for help from Hannah’s House until Emris was three years old.

“My niece, Layla, was receiving care and taking part in Hannah’s House play sessions, literally until the day she passed away,” explains Tayla.

“But early on I was made to feel that my children weren’t ‘sick enough’ or ‘difficult enough’ to get help – and that it was just normal parental responsibility.

“In the end, I was exhausted. I let myself get into burnout and knew I had to get some support.

“Hannah’s House were the only ones who saw and understood how complex my sons are and were happy to help us.”

Supporting WA’s Smallest Surviving Baby

Elias, now 1, also requires oxygen therapy to treat the same lung condition – and had to be resuscitated numerous times after birth due to severe breathing problems.

He also has a congenital heart defect, hypothyroidism, kidney issues and swallowing challenges.

Weighing just 360g at birth, Elias is WA’s smallest surviving baby to date.

“We started off small getting a few hours of free care at home each week for Emris,” says Tayla.

“Then, in 2025, Elias was introduced to Hannah’s House through the Ripple Ability Respite Program where Hannah’s house provided respite for the parents attending.

“Darragh from Hannah’s House was a saving grace and from there Elias started receiving some free support.”

And while Emris receives some NDIS funding – it’s not sufficient to cover all his needs – and Elias receives no NDIS funding at all.

Hannah’s House Changing Lives

Hannah’s House’s assistance, states Tayla, has been invaluable to her family.

“I don’t know where I’d be without them,” she shares.

“Honestly, Josh and I finally get much needed one-on-one time as husband and wife, something that was impossible without Hannah’s house.

“With Josh being FIFO, I am able to access the community easier, attend appointments and have it go smoothly without exhausting ourselves.

“As well as much needed rest, Hannah’s House has brought me community and support.

“The benefits are truly endless.