In the opening sequences of this new Little Stars film, Maureen Muteesa explains that her 8-year-old son, Calvin, was born prematurely with complex medical needs and pulmonary hypertension,a life limiting illness.
Despite his medical complications, Calvin comes across as a delightful young boy with a mischievous sense of humour, joking with his mother that when he was chosen to present the queen of England with a posy of flowers she asked if he would be her boyfriend!
His mom tells us, “Calvin is a little character and he keeps me going. When you see him you forget that he has all these things going around in his body. I have hope that he will grow up and be a man, that is my hope. I’ve had so many special moments with him, he is my life.”
Calvin’s life is dependent on numerous medications and complex equipment and caring for him has not been an easy journey.
“When I had Calvin I had nobody to help me,” reflects his mum, Maureen, who hails from Uganda.
Which was why finding out about the services of Richard House Children’s Hospice in east London was life-changing for both Calvin and his family.
“At first I didn’t even know Richard House existed to help you with your child on top of what you’re doing,” recalls Maureen.
Shahina Haque, Family Support Service Manager at Richard House Children’s Hospice says that Calvin first accessed their services in 2007.
“We provide a holistic care service,” says Shahina. “So in terms of medical care, Calvin has lots of consultants that we work alongside with… which then enables us to help Calvin and his mum when he comes in for respite. So he gets the medical aspect but he gets to feel like he’s a child who’s come for a holiday.”
Calvin, who has an obvious talent and love of music, can be seen singing and dancing during music therapy sessions at the hospice.
“I’m so desperate for Calvin to get his independence and try to be a normal boy as much as he can. He’s my life and I just have to continue to be there for him,” concludes Maureen. Richard House Children’s Hospice is doing everything they can to help to fulfill her wish.
Find out more about the Little Stars series of films at www.littlestars.tv and how you can pledge to hold a screening of the full length feature film when it is released later this year.
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