Thousands of families like Finley's need the help of a Family Support Worker today, but we cannot do it without your help.
When Gemma and her husband Keith attended their 20-week pregnancy scan, the sonographer noticed several black holes under Finley’s chin. Finley was diagnosed with a condition called lymphangioma when he was born and spent the first six months of his life in hospital, undergoing multiple surgeries and medical procedures.
"I was post-C-section and learning about a new baby, on top of trying to understand Finley’s situation and his medical issues. It was all very overwhelming."
Gemma and Keith found themselves struggling to cope with Finley’s diagnosis and medical needs as they had to isolate from their support network of friends and family, due to the risk of passing on infections to Finley.
They have also received counselling for their mental health after Finley was born, and though he is out of hospital, they are still adjusting to their lives as they are now.
"Our mental health definitely suffered. It is not over because he is out of hospital. I’m still in shock – I’m trying to process it all."
The family referred themselves and began receiving support from Rainbow Trust Family Support Worker Laura in August 2022.
Laura provides emotional support for Gemma, listening to her worries and anxieties, and gives Gemma respite, spending time with Finley in the home to give Gemma a chance to do some admin or just get herself a cup of tea.
If I’m having a bad day, Laura will be the first one to hear about it. There is someone there for you to talk to, who is willing to help and is just really adaptable.
Laura goes out of her way to bring sensory toys that will help Finley in his development, and she has started learning some sign-along so she can communicate with Finley. She is so invested in the relationship.
Gemma, Finley's mum.
Alongside this, the family have benefitted from attending days out, organised by Rainbow Trust, with other families with a seriously ill child and Rainbow Trust has also provided practical help to support Gemma by taking her and Finley to his appointments.
"Finley has a lot of appointments to attend, and I physically can’t do it alone. Taking Finley and all his equipment is impossible, so the practical help and support was invaluable."
Gemma encourages other families with a seriously ill child to reach out and accept the help they deserve:
"It took me a while to come around, I felt guilty – like, do we deserve this? But I would say, find all the help you can get, accept it, and utilise it."
With your help Family Support Workers like Laura can make the challenges that families living with childhood illness face that bit more manageable.
Please donate today to help us support more seriously ill children and their families just like Finley's.
