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Opportunities for Joy
Granting Holiday Wishes for Kids at Providence Center for Medically Fragile Children
By Paula Fasano
Anita Herold knows the meaning of every sound, movement and glance from her son, 11-year-old Cameron. It’s a parent-child bond that few can understand. Cameron has severe and complex medical needs that require vigilant care from his family members, every hour of every day
Cameron’s condition didn’t stop the family of four – mom, dad and boys Cameron and Corey – from a dream vacation to SeaWorld in Florida a few years ago. It was an amazing experience, says Anita. They swam with dolphins and came home with a healthy suntan. But back at home, they were completely exhausted by the trip.
“The airports, the gear, the food, carting stuff around – it took everything out of us,” says Cameron’s dad, Stuart. It was clear that they just couldn’t do a big trip like that with Cameron again.
“We knew that Corey deserved our time and the opportunity to travel. I’d heard of the Center for Medically Fragile Children’s respite care program at Providence Child Center and gave them a call.”
The respite program offers families who care for their special-needs child at home an opportunity to spend some time away from the child, knowing that outstanding care will be provided. It’s time for family members to rejuvenate at home or on vacations, and time for the child to be in a different environment that is nurturing and fun.
The Herolds toured Providence Child Center and felt really good about it. “When we left there,” Anita recalls, “we decided that when they called, we’d be ready.” Within a few weeks, the Center for Medically Fragile Children had an opening. That’s when the rubber hit the road for Anita. “I didn’t want to leave him,” she says. “He’s my identity. He’s what I do. Who else knows how to care for him?”
In the end, with both confidence and reservation, the Herolds took Cameron to Providence Child Center and used the two weeks to catch up on the simple things around the house that they never got a chance to do. “That time gave us the relief to go on and to be better parents to both our boys. They needed us to be rested and recharged,” says Anita. It was clear that it was the right choice, and that the Herolds had become a stronger family because of respite care.
Families who use respite care at the Center for Medically Fragile Children experience more than just a break in the intensity of their daily lives. They often find the companionship of others in similar situations.
Cameron has been back to several times since his initial visit, including a time following a surgery to alleviate some of his medial symptoms. The team of therapists and caregivers coached the Herolds through the various therapies needed to ensure the success of their son’s surgery.
“He loves it,” says Anita. “They put up ‘Welcome back, Cameron!’ signs everywhere.”
The children who live at the Center for Medically Fragile Children at Providence Child Center are cared for by round-the-clock nursing teams that function as extended family. Families throughout the Northwest use the respite care services at the Child Center. “We’re the only place parents can come for this kind of care that gives them a break from the 24/7 schedule required to meet the needs of a child with complex medical needs,” says Pat Budo, Providence Child Center administrator. “When their kids are here, parents know they are well cared for and loved.”
Family rejuvenation through respite care is just one of the gifts that are available this year through the Providence Child Center Foundation “wish book.” The colorful catalogue helps shoppers provide gifts that will improve lives at the center and includes everything from medical equipment to beds, respite care, augmentative communication devices, music, speakers, books – or sponsoring special activities like the center’s prom or Halloween dances. These programs benefit every young resident by giving them opportunities to experience the joys of childhood.
Wish book items range in need and price. But every single gift makes a world of difference to Providence Child Center kids, their families and the center’s staff. This unique way of giving allows anyone to turn a wish into reality for children with disabilities in communities throughout Oregon. Contributions can be made by individuals, corporations, in a friend or family’s name, or in someone’s honor. All gifts are acknowledged by Providence Child Center. For more information, or a copy of the wish book, call 503-215-2406 or visit www.providence.org/childcenter
