Maisie's story

We started getting support from the children’s team in March 2024 and they ease the stress of everything. The support is for all of us, and Maisie’s siblings are occupied and join in too. When someone from the Hospice is here, I can do what I need to do without interruption and things don’t take anywhere near as long. If I need to nip out, I can nip out, I don’t need to worry about getting the wheelchair in the car, the suction machine, the meds. Brianna, one of Maisie’s siblings, also gets counselling at school from the Hospice, and it was offered to me as well.

It enables her to have a normal childhood because she can do the things that other kids do.

Most importantly, Maisie gets her time to do what she wants to do, it’s her world and we’re just in it! She loves arts and crafts, and they always bring a heap of toys and activities that she enjoys. She likes having the one-to-one attention, which brings her out of her shell. Then there are all the lovely extras and events, like the Christmas party at the Hospice.

When I found out, it was white noise in my ears. I could see the doctors’ mouths moving but I didn’t know what they were talking about. I was only young then, just turned 23 and Maisie was my first baby. It was fight or flight, I knew that she needed me more than ever. It affected my life, but I wouldn’t change her at all because I get to see things that other parents don’t get to see. I get to see my other children be gentle with Maisie and accept her for who she is. Other kids don’t always have that level of empathy in them.

It’s not that they just come here to do their job, they interact with Maisie, they care about her and really take the time to get to know her.

The first time I heard of hospice care, my heart broke a little bit, and I thought it would be all clinical, but it’s not like that. There is fun and smiles and it’s almost like a family. Don’t panic at the word hospice, their support gives me a break. I know I can pick up a phone and someone will be at the other end of the line. I’m thankful I can ask for help when I need it, it’s reassuring.”