Triplets

Recently the Heartwell Foundation had a referral for two children, brother and sister, who were born as triplets.  Both of the children have been diagnosed as having Cerebral Palsy, spastic diplegia.  They are 12 years old.

Being the mother of 11 year old twins, I had immediate feelings of empathy for this family.  That is, I understand the work load associated with a multiple birth and the chaos of the early years.  The stress of feeding, bathing, lack of sleep etc.  It does not necessarily get easier as the years roll by either, because by then the children need constant taxiing to their after school sports, activities and friends, and so on.

Then I made the phone call to discuss the referral with the mother of the children.

My feeling of empathy was quickly flooded by my inability to even imagine how this amazing family survive.  The third triplet is on Life Support requiring 24 hours, 7 days a week of oxygen.  She requires constant suctioning to clear her airways and is fed intravenously.  One parent needs to be with her at all times, and there are frequent trips to the RCH.  The two children with Cerebral Palsy have very different health needs.  They want to run and be active.  They want to improve their balance and coordination and reduce their ankle and knee pain.  They want social interaction and fun!  

I can’t imagine how difficult it must be for these parents to feel that they meet all these varying health needs of their precious children.

It certainly made me stop and think before complaining about taxiing my tribe to where they need to go!!

Kris

Kris had his first day of Year 12 yesterday.  A big day for any kid.  He is really smart and quick witted and we know he will do well this year.  He is a “tough cookie” our Kris, and he consistently works hard against the odds, that are sometimes stacked up against him.  See although he is quite academic and achieves good results in the classroom, Kris’s body can sometimes make the going hard work.  Kris has Cerebral Palsy - moderate to severe Spastic Diplegia.  This results in him having limited mobility and poor balance.  He walks with two single sticks or uses a wheelchair for long distances.  It is difficult for us able bodied people to imagine getting from classroom to classroom under those conditions, and still have the energy for learning.

Kris almost needs a gold watch for his time spent with us at the Heartwell Foundation.  This is his 10th year of participation!  That even surprises me as I write it.  He started with us when he was a cute little nine year old.  Although he was small and seemingly frail, even back then you got a sense of his determination and drive to be successful at all things.  Over the years we have watched him grow tall and strong (and noticed last year he started to shave!)

Kris in full flight,
chasing down a ball.

An avid cricket follower Kris was here when a few years ago Shane Warne visited the Heartwell Foundation.  There was no way we could keep him away from that little opportunity.  Another happy memory is of Kris last year participating in his school cross country event.  In a display of absolute grit and courage he walked about 500 metres to the finish line.  What a champ!

Good luck at school this year Kris, you are a legend.



Kris (far left) meets Shane Warne along with some other Heartwell Foundation crew.