By Jenny-Anne Dexter | Project Leader
Angelo was diagnosed with leukaemia when he was five years old. Eve and Theo, his mum and dad, were devastated when they received the diagnosis. Until then, Angelo had been a happy and lively child and had been looking forward to starting school.
He was referred to Rainbow Trust Children's Charity by a friend and soon after, Zak, one of our Family Support Workers, started supporting the family.
Zak took Eve and Angelo to hospital for treatments and appointments and often gave Eve a break by sitting with Angelo when he was in hospital for a long time. Having this kind of support meant that Eve could take a break, grab a cup of coffee or just get some fresh air. This respite makes a huge difference to parents who often spend hours and hours in hospital which can be very lonely and exhausting.
Zak also spent time talking to Eve about any concerns and issues she may have had. Having someone to talk to helps parents express their anxieties. Many families feel they cannot or don’t want to speak to or burden other family members who are already upset so, having an external person to talk to, gives them that objective and safe outlet.
“Zak’s support was what we needed as a family, it was just perfect. When Zak couldn’t come, one of the other team members was there to help which was a huge help to me. I don’t drive so having Rainbow Trust’s support made such a difference to us,” said Eve.
Zak also spent time talking to and with Angelo’s siblings who were struggling with his diagnosis. Athena, his younger sister had issues around thoughts of death and Zak helped her work through these and understand what was happening to her brother.
It is two years since Angelo was given the all clear. Eve and Theo were overjoyed when he completed his treatment and, “Angelo is doing really well, still as stubborn as usual, but good,” says Eve. For the past four years, Eve has taken part in Rainbow Trust’s Big Hour campaign by having a cake sale and has raised a massive £2,892. A huge thank you to Eve and her family.
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