Just a short note to thank you for your generous donation to the Malawian appeal. We want to share with you how the money has been put to good use. The Malnutrition Unit is finished and up and running and a great asset to the community.
Let me tell you the story of a child looked after in the Children`s Hospice by my daughter-in-law Mary.
15 year old Tabitha was an orphaned child, living with a very dedicated aunt, who had severe complications of HIV/AIDS such that despite antiretroviral medication, had incurable heart and lung disease and gradually became weaker and dependent on supplementary oxygen. She got into a cycle of exacerbations of breathlessness, requiring hospital admissions, stabilisation, discharge and readmissions, with shorter periods managing at home. She finally got to the stage that she could no longer manage without oxygen so would have to remain in hospital for the rest of her life as it had never been possible to send children home with their own supplementary oxygen supply before.
However, we had recently had a donation of 2 oxygen concentrators, just arrived and one still in its box. They were not truly portable but we realised that in Tabitha’s case, the concentrator could be taken to her home as she lived near the hospital, so would be easy to follow up with home visits, and her aunt was well educated, spoke good English and was able to understand how to use and look after the oxygen concentrator. She was very delighted at the prospect of being able to take Tabitha home, where they would be supported by their family and church, Tabitha’s own friends would be able to drop in and see her when she was well enough, and her aunt would be able to continue her business at home and therefore maintain a small but essential income.
The day came to take Tabitha home in my little Rav4, and the relief and pleasure to her to be home was a joy to see. Her aunt was quickly confident in her care, and knew she could phone us if needed (again an unusual bonus in a slightly more well to do family). We visited regularly, weekly initially. Several times we made extra visits in response to a call.
The last time, Tabitha was clearly deteriorating, and drifting in and out of consciousness. However, she was not in pain, with medication, and not distressed with breathlessness, and although the family understood that she was dying, they could see she was comfortable. We were able to reassure them that nothing further would be done in hospital, and offer to visit the next morning to check her comfort. However, she died that day, at home where she wanted to be.
Visiting her aunt a few days after the funeral (which we were also able to attend), she expressed great gratitude for the care she and Tabitha had received at home for the final weeks of her life.
This would not have been possible without the generous gift of the oxygen concentrator. Gifts like this really do make a difference – not just to one family but to many.
So on behalf of Tabitha and many like her, I offer heartfelt thanks.
News from Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Blantyre
James and Mary Bunn