Dimitris' Story
“Dimitris was only 6 months old when he was hospitalised due to seizures. He spent 8 months in the hospital, but doctors couldn’t diagnose his condition. Suddenly, the family found themselves facing an uncertain future.
The hospital doctors said Dimitris wouldn’t live to see his 2nd birthday and referred the family to our hospice partner for support in creating a safe and warm home environment.
Dimitris’ mother learned many nursing skills through the hospice team and found a new sense of purpose in caring for him. She said, “I always felt safer in the hospital. Now, I feel Dimitris is better at home with me and with the help of Hospice”
His father is the sole provider for the family, which creates financial struggles. They also face challenges with bureaucracy, fatigue from 24-hour care, and the looming uncertainty of Dimitris’ condition. But they don’t give up. The hospice team and the family worked together to create an advanced care plan tailored to their needs and wishes.
The stairs Dimitris’ family have to climb to access their home
Dimitris being cared for by a hospice nurse
Dimitris is now 20 months old. He can’t walk or talk and eats through a tube. He doesn’t smile, except during epileptic episodes. His mother says, “We cherish these smiles, even though they aren’t real, it’s all we have.”
The hospice team taught the parents how to communicate with Dimitris through touch, hugs, kisses, music, and sound. They also helped his older brother develop a loving sibling relationship and not feel left out.
Their home is filled with love and perseverance. The hospice team stands by them, helping the family grow stronger together, not despite Dimitris’ illness, but because of it.”
