Dad ‘locked up’ for liver cause

At five weeks, specialists diagnosed Frankie’s yellow hue as biliary atresia, in which bile flow from the liver to the small intestine was blocked.

Soon after, he had a procedure at Princess Margaret Hospital to surgically bypass the blocked bile ducts and prevent liver damage.

Despite several challenges, the WA Liver Foundation junior ambassador is healthy, active and as sporty as older brothers Sonny and Louie.

Parents Jo and Paul hope things stay that way.

If Frankie ever needs a liver transplant, the family would have to move to Sydney for treatment because WA does not have a paediatric liver unit.

‘I try not to think about it too much,’ Ms Inzalaco said.

‘The logistics of having to go over east are difficult with two other children.

‘It would be really good to have a paediatric liver unit here, not just for us but for all families of children with liver problems.’

The WA Liver Foundation, which is pushing for a Perth unit, is among recipients of tonight’s Convicts for a Cause fundraiser at Fremantle Prison.

Frankie’s dad Paul (prisoner 7840) will join community leaders, politicians and personalities behind bars until each raises $500 ‘bail’.

‘Sonny and Louie have each donated $10 of their pocket money to try to get him out,’ Jo said.

The event, which also benefits Cystic Fibrosis WA and the Rotary clubs of Perth and Mt Lawley, runs from 6.30pm to 9.30pm.

There will be performances, entertainment, auctions, raffles and food.

Go to convictsforacause.org.au/event to help Paul ‘Bugsy Malone’ Inzalaco get out of jail and for event details.