A DEVOTED mum has shared the touching story of how her son has defied the odds and how Acorns Children Hospice helps to create precious memories for her family.
Aimee Exell, from Hall Green, is shining a light on the care and support her family receives from the charity’s hospice in Birmingham as part of Acorns 2022 Christmas Appeal.
Kasim was born with a life threatening heart defect called pulmonary atresia – his blood couldn’t pick up the oxygen it needed from his lungs.
At just hours old, he was rushed in for what would be the first of many open heart surgeries.
But the challenges didn’t end there, as he grew, Kasim failed to meet certain milestones.
Doctors feared he may never walk or feed without a tube directly into his stomach and he was diagnosed as profoundly deaf.
Despite his complex care needs, the 10-year-old can walk and continues to defy predictions.
Aimee said: “Kasim’s main challenge is his heart condition, but he also has problems with his feet and spine and had to have his legs in casts. The doctors didn’t think he’d ever walk but we’ve worked very hard to help him.
“He’s had lots of physio and a frame and special little boots. He’s getting sturdier and walks really well. I’m so proud of how far he’s come.”
Kasim and his family have found a lifeline in Acorns Children’s Hospice, he has enjoyed many short breaks at the charity’s hospice.
But he especially loves visiting at Christmas time.
Aimee said: “He enjoys the Christmas pantomimes and the hospice’s special lights switch-on. He loves seeing Santa as well.
“It makes me feel so happy to know he’s getting these experiences. It’s wonderful to know he’s getting the chance to do these things and that he loves his time there. And it gives me great comfort to know Acorns can care for him and that he’s safe there.”
Lindsey Homer is Matron at Acorns in Birmingham and has known Kasim and his family for over nine years.
She said: “Everything you see of Kasim at the hospice, when he’s playing in the arts and activity rooms, enjoying a swim in the hydrotherapy pool, games in the gardens, it’s all thanks to the lovely support that we get from everybody who supports Acorns Children’s Hospice and has us in their hearts.”
The ‘Acorns Christmas Cracker Appeal’ aims to crucial funds towards the charity’s vital care and support for sick children and their families across the West Midlands and Gloucestershire.
For more or to donate click here.
