By Jenny-Anne Dexter | Project Leader
Michael was just seven years old when he was diagnosed with a kidney disorder. For the foreseeable future, Michael has to have dialysis three times a week.
Each dialysis treatment lasts four hours, not including travel time and time spent finding a parking space at the hospital. On those days, Michael's mum can’t pick his sister up from school or see her in the evening, because she is at hospital with Michael.
Rainbow Trust has helped the family by introducing them to Family Support Worker, Steve, who takes Michael to hospital for some of his treatments, and stays with him throughout, bringing him home afterward. This gives mum Claire a chance to spend quality time with little sister Charlotte.
“It’s important because Charlotte feels left out. But this gives us a good amount of time together, not just five minutes in between hospital appointments,” says Claire.
Michael, who smiles constantly and chats to everyone on the ward, says he enjoys being with Steve. “In the car we chat about school and how I’m feeling and then in hospital we play chess, although he always wins!” Michael told me.
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