Increase Paediatric Palliative Care in KZN, SA

Can you believe that December is here! It feels like yesterday we were welcoming in 2017 and now we are almost ready to say goodbye! This year has been a remarkable one for Umduduzi – Hospice Care for Children. Our work is growing from strength to strength, more referrals are coming our way and more health professionals are realising the immense contribution we can make to the care of their patients.

As this year closes I am reminded of a Kahil Gibran quote - “Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.”

Having done this work for several years now I am constantly amazed at the strength of the children and their families that we work with. They truly are the strongest souls. In their most desperate moments they stand firm, they stand tall and they hold on to what they believe. Truly inspirational and truly humbling. I don’t think any of our team can truly express the awe in which we hold these caregivers and these precious little ones.

This year has been no different as we travelled the road with so many families and so many children. Bringing comfort in any way we can and supporting them through one of the most difficult times of their lives. But there have also been many happy and exciting adventures too.

Our Play & Stimulation programmes are bringing such joy to the little ones that benefit from them. To watch little ones learn is an amazing privilege and this truly is our feel good place.

But it is those little success stories that make every difficult bearable. In June I introduced you to Baby Q. He was born with a severe cardiac problem in December 2016. Surgery was conducted in May 2017 but was unfortunately unsuccessful. Despite this though, Baby Q was not prepared to give up. Through Umduduzi’s involvement we have been able to control his pain (which was causing him huge distress), wean him off oxygen (which was preventing him from going home) and finally get him home. He has been at home with his family since 2nd June. Although his long-term prognosis may not be good, he is currently a happy child at home receiving all the love and cuddles he deserves. Well being at home has clearly done him good. He is thriving and growing and bringing such joy. At this stage we still don’t know what his long-term prognosis is, but through good palliative care he has had a chance to be “normal” child at home and his mom has got to be a mom. It is through your support that we are able to provide services to families like this.

Thank you for your support through 2017. It has been greatly appreciated. From all of us here we would like to take the opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a blessed festive season and an amazing 2018.