a little something about Zavier

 

Zavier was born on 1st October 2010, the youngest of 4 children.  As soon as he was born we realised that he wasn't able to move properly and his breathing was difficult.  After spending 10 days in hospital and being looked at by doctors from many different children's hospitals the medical professionals were not able to determine a diagnosis but decided that Zavier would only have a short life expectancy and was 'life limited'.  As a family we were devastated but decided to ensure that every day would be a happy day and a time of making lots of happy memories. Zavier still remains undiagnosed.

 

Zavier was referred to Acorns Children's Hopsice when he was 2 weeks old and the whole family was embraced into the care of Acorns.  We became part of the big Acorns family that care for children throughout the West Midlands, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire that are life limited or have life threatening conditions. Acorns were able to support us at home, with physiotherapy for Zavier and ensuring that all care givers involved in Zaviers life were giving him the best possible care and treatment.  Even going swimming isn't possible with a feeding tube so the pool at Acorns Hospice was able to give Zavier some wonderful experiences in the water and family swim sessions.  We attended Christmas parties, fun days out, used the sensory room and gardens and enjoyed the support that Acorns were able to give us.

 

Sadly Zavier passed away peacefully aged 14months on 23rd December 2011.  Zavier was able to lie in the Special Bedroom that Acorns have in all of their hospices, in a cot until the day of his funeral. There the whole family and friends were able to visit him and say their farewells in a place where cuddles are encouraged and tissues always available. Zaviers siblings were encouraged to decorate his casket so that on the day of his funeral so it wasn't scary for them.  It's fair to say no one will ever have a casket like Zavier's!

 

 Acorns have continued to take very good care of our family ensuring Zaviers brother and sisters are supported by family support workers whenever they need and as parents we are continually looked after. Even the grandparents attend groups with lots of tea and cake! There is a rememberance garden that we have been able to place a stone in the brook with the stones of other children who have been part of Acorns. 

 

For a family like ours, like all of the other families never did we think that we would need to use the care of Acorns.  But they have been our safety net, our confidants, and our support.  It takes a lot of resources to run the three hospices and care for the families within the community too which is why any monies raised are so important and vital to support all of the families now and in the future who need to be part of a children's hospice.