But after five months in the Royal Children’s Hospital, including six weeks in intensive care, feisty five-year-old Ahana was ready for a stylish exit.

Ahana was admitted to hospital in November to have her gallbladder removed. Ordinarily it’s a one-day procedure then seven days’ bed rest.

“Unfortunately, things didn’t turn out the way we planned,” Ahana’s father Sorab said. “But we are so thankful that we were at the Royal Children’s Hospital when it turned bad.”

Doctors discovered Ahana had pancreatitis. She had multiple surgeries, treatment in ICU, and a long recovery. “The journey has been tough. But the bottom line is, if you have the strength and the will from inside, nothing will defeat you,” Sorab said.

“We got to a point where we thought we had lost her. She had one infection, then a lung infection, then another infection. Her stats and heartbeat were going left, right and centre.

“It’s been a very long patience game; watching and waiting and hoping. To see your child not eating or drinking or getting better for such a long time is very difficult”.

Then slowly, slowly, Ahana began improving. The doctors and nurses in the ICU saved her,” Sorab said.

“We are so grateful to them, and everybody at the RCH.” His wife, Shaveta, stayed with their daughter every night at the RCH. Last week Ahana finally got the all-clear to go home. Pediatric neurologist Emma Macdonald-Laurs said five-month stays were uncommon.

“It is extremely difficult for the family unit, as often one parent will be with the child and the other trying to look after siblings, or work,” Dr Macdonald-Laurs said.

“Children themselves might struggle with adjustment or behaviour issues, but they are supported by teachers within the hospital, child life therapy, music therapy and hospital volunteers.”

For a dynamic departure from the RCH, Ahana wore her favourite dress.

“She is standing, and she will walk out of here,” Sorab said. “We’re over the moon, but it’s a rollercoaster of emotions.

“The RCH has become our second home.”

Ahana has Rubenstein-Taybi syndrome, a genetic disorder, but her stay at the RCH was unrelated to her condition. Sorab and Shaveta shared her story to highlight the care they received and support the Good Friday Appeal.

Funds raised by the appeal will further transform care at the RCH, supporting programs, research and equipment. The appeal will also invest $3m in regional health services.