The parents of a 14-month-old boy who is fighting for his life after inhaling gold cake decorating dust have provided a heartbreaking update on his condition. Little Dustin was rushed to hospital last weekend after the freak accident, which occurred while his mother, professional baker Katie Robinson, was preparing a Bluey-themed birthday cake for a friend's son.
How the accident happened
Katie and her partner Chris were both present in the baking studio with Dustin, but despite constant supervision, the curious toddler managed to grab a container of metallic decorating dust and inhale it. “It was a matter of seconds before he was into something and choking,” Katie told Australian morning show Sunrise. “Within minutes he was unresponsive.” The dust, which contains metals, is not meant to be ingested or inhaled. Katie emphasized that while many cake decorating powders are labeled edible, this particular product was intended only for removable cake parts.
Dustin's fight for life
Dustin remains in an induced coma in the intensive care unit at Brisbane's Queensland Children's Hospital. His father, Chris Wildman, described the terrifying moments after the inhalation. “I just felt so helpless,” he said. Despite the grim situation, Katie shared a glimmer of hope on the Today program, stating that Dustin is “a fighter” and that doctors are pleased with his progress. “He’s pushing back, and he’s saying that he’s ready to have that tube taken out,” she added.
Community rallying around the family
Family friend Rochelle Evrard, who lost her own daughter in a NICU in 2023, set up a GoFundMe page to support the family. The fundraiser has already raised over £25,835 (AUD $48,480). Rochelle described Dustin as “the most beautiful little adventurous boy” and expressed her own feelings of responsibility, as the cake was for her son’s birthday. She noted that the supplier of the gold dust has pulled the product from shelves, and Katie is determined to raise awareness about the dangers of decorative cake products that are not truly edible.
Doctors continue to monitor Dustin's condition, with further surgery planned to move his breathing tubes and check his lungs. The prognosis remains uncertain due to the rare nature of the accident.
