Towards the end of August, The Rocking Horse Project (RHP) received a referral of a teenage boy who was diagnosed with a liver cancerous mass at stage 4. After hearing about his challenging social background from the Doctors, we stepped in to assist as we could. His caregiver shared with us that his mother had died and that his father did not want to be involved leaving her alone to take on the responsibility of caring for him for the past 8 years.
- A multidisciplinary team of Doctors and the palliative care nurse called a meeting to discuss the situation with the patient, his caregiver and requesting that his father be part of the meeting. RHP were also privileged to attend and were encouraged to witness all sharing with such honesty and challenging the father to take responsibility and assist his child. Since treatment was not viable, the medical team counselled the caregiver and patient on the situation at hand, requesting RHP to continue supporting the family.
The caregiver shared her challenges and shock at the diagnosis as she said he had not been very ill and really only started developing more consistent worrying symptoms in June when they went to their local clinic.
In mid-September, he was rushed to Mbabane Government Hospital. We saw him the following day and took time to meet with the caregiver who developed a close bond with our play coordinator with whom she could share her concerns. Doctors needed to aspirate fluid from his abdomen and he was in need of blood donations. Over the weekend, friends from his school came to visit and donated blood in an incredible act of support. When we saw him again he was looking much relieved and said he was feeling better than before. Due to the unavailability of ambulances to take the patient home, the RHP drove him, his caregiver and a supporting friend home. Upon arrival at the home, we were greeted by the patient’s great grandmother who thanked us profusely for the support, repeatedly saying ‘God bless you’ – the joy was so evident in her face and words. She shared that after using funds for blood tests, they feared the worst as they would not be able to help him further. RHP supported with medication, transport and received a donation from a donor for a once off food parcel for the family as well as talking and meeting with the patient and caregiver.
Sadly at the end of the month, the patient passed away at home. The RHP play coordinator made a visit to the home the next day providing comfort and prayers for the family. They reiterated their thanks saying that RHP support made a huge difference and allowed them to reach out for help.
Watching and supporting this family has been humbling. We were honoured indeed with seeing the kindness and strength of his caregiver who is so small in stature, the support of friends coming to the hospital and to his home for visits, as well as the care provided by school teachers. This is how a community comes together to take care of a child with a life threatening illness.
Leave a Reply