Today (30th of Nov) my son had an appointment at Neurology (Seizure) Clinic and as we were waiting I reflected on the huge part the “Sick Kids” has played in our lives.  

Alex had a series of prolonged seizures aged just 2 years old and went on to develop Epilepsy.  His brain suffered an injury (most likely due to these prolonged seizures) and he later was diagnosed with a mild to moderate learning disability.  Recently after his second autism assessment it has been confirmed that despite being borderline aged 9, Alex is definitely on the autistic spectrum.

Later on we found out that due to delayed puberty, Alex had a full genetics screening and it was discovered that he had chromosome 18q deletion, this is the invisible thread that connects his epilepsy, learning disability, probable brain damage, and autism.  

I’d like to help give something back to this wonderful organisation that have supported us throughout Alex’s hospital admissions and outpatient appointments.

I was worried when the new building opened that it would lose the atmosphere of the caring and compassionate the “Sick Kids” was famous for BUT it shines out that the new hospital has managed to transplant that LOVE and support that wraps around the whole family when a child is at hospital.

We’ve spent time in the old ward 2 and 7 and even some time in ward 4 and thankfully Alex will not have to be an inpatient in the new building, even though I know he would receive excellent care.

As I’m trying to get healthy I decided to do Step Into Christmas with ECHC!  If anyone wants  to join us in clocking 250,000 merry steps during the 25 days leading up to Christmas Day they are more than welcome.