WHY IS ABI’S LIFE DIFFERENT FROM MOST OTHER CHILDREN?
Abi is 14 and was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in December 2020. Immediately after diagnosis, she was admitted to hospital to start three weeks of intense treatment, leaving her dad and little brother and sister at home, while her mum stayed with her at hospital.
Abi explained that being ill changed her both mentally and physically.
“I used to be so busy and active, out having fun with my friends all the time. Once I got diagnosed and started treatment I was too tired to go out. Chemotherapy made me feel sick and exhausted.”
HOW CAMP SIMCHA MAKES A DIFFERENCE
We have been here for Abi, her parents and her siblings since her diagnosis and throughout her treatment. Our Family Liaison Officer provides emotional support and ensures the whole family receives bespoke care, from transport to hospital appointments and therapeutic singing lessons for Abi, to equine therapy for her brother who has really struggled to cope with his sister’s illness.
Abi is just one of 100s of children we support, coping with over 50 serious, life-threatening or life-limiting medical conditions, including serious genetic illnesses, cancer, degenerative muscular diseases, serious mental health conditions and premature babies, among many others.
We are a lifeline to families, providing vital practical and therapeutic support, while bringing hope and joy to their lives at the darkest of times.
This Pesach please help us make the vital difference for children like Abi.
Thank you.
“The day after Abi’s diagnosis, Sam, a Camp Simcha Family Liaison Officer, got in touch and told me she was sending in some things I might need. A whole bag arrived full of toiletries, supplies, food, gifts for us… everything we might need.”