When parents have a child with a complex medical condition it can be difficult, sometimes impossible, to get a night’s sleep, have time for a rest or for parents to enjoy an evening out together.
Evie’s Night Owls is an overnight respite care project run by Camp Simcha in memory of Evie Bladon. After suffering from oxygen deprivation during her birth in 2012, Evie was born with severe brain damage. Her initial MRI was devastating – she wasn’t expected to make it past 48 hours, but she was a fighter who went on to celebrate three birthdays. The trauma Evie had suffered during her birth resulted in multiple health issues including cerebral palsy, global developmental delay, epilepsy, severe visual impairment, as well as a number of other medical problems which unfortunately resulted in a limited life expectancy and the need for 24/7 care.
Camp Simcha also offers day time respite support for parents who need it to help them cope with the practical pressures of their child’s condition.
The occasional respite care we received from Camp Simcha was a life-saver. It helped us keep our heads above water. We hope Evie’s legacy will mean that families like us can get this regular and vital support, because I can tell you that none of us would have coped without Camp Simcha.